Airport Preparing For Vice President JD Vance’s Visit To Nantucket
David Creed •
Vice President JD Vance will visit Nantucket next week on Tuesday, July 22nd, for a Republican National Committee fundraiser, and airport officials have begun preparations for his arrival.
Airport manager Warren Smith addressed the visit during last week’s airport commission meeting, telling commissioners that it has been officially confirmed that Vance will be visiting Nantucket on July 22nd and leaving on the 23rd. He said police made him aware of possible demonstrations that could happen in the days and moments leading up to his arrival on-island, and that there will be a space provided for people to exercise their free speech.
“We have been informed by police that there are confirmed demonstrations that are planned,” Smith said. “One is on the 17th. There could be some potential others that may happen. So with that being said, we are sticking with the agreement that the airport has in place. We have dedicated a space for those First Amendment rights to happen. If we start to see any demonstrations happening in the terminal, near the terminal, we will ask the police to remove them, as that is not agreed upon. Also, I will approve any overtime as this is a heavy lift during VIP visits, as we have had in the past. So be prepared as more details come about that I am allowed to share from Secret Service, from the White House. I'll let you guys know.”
Attendees will pay $250,000 per couple to join the host committee, or $100,000 per couple to join Vance for dinner at the event, which is being hosted at a private residence. The Nantucket fundraiser featuring Vance was first reported by political journalist Mark Halperin.
Vance was last on Nantucket in 2022, when he joined Florida Senator Rick Scott, along with Republican politicians Ted Budd, Dr. Mehmet Oz, and Herschel Walker for a fundraiser.
Below is the invitation for the event next month:
