First Disneyland, Now the Cotswolds: How Security for JD Vance and His Family Has Become a Nuisance for Locals

JD Vance's family getaway has twice sparked public irritation, from California's Disneyland to the English Cotswolds, where residents say an overzealous security operation has turned quiet lanes and village footpaths into checkpoints, with a significant Secret Service and police presence, road and path closures, and visible screening that locals branded disruptive.

When US vice-presidential candidate JD Vance visited Disneyland earlier this year, visitors expecting a magical day instead found themselves stuck in long queues and stalled rides. His security entourage reportedly ordered temporary shutdowns on certain attractions, citing 'operational safety'.

The result? Dozens of frustrated families, some who had saved for years to make the trip, left wondering why one man's visit had to derail theirs.

A Trail of Disruption

Fast-forward to last weekend in the English countryside, and the story played out again, but this time, on cobbled high streets and rolling green lanes.

Residents in Dean, a sleepy hamlet in the Cotswolds, say JD Vance's summer retreat has turned into a full-blown security spectacle. Road closures, sniffer dogs, ID checks, and blacked-out vehicles have disrupted the usual quiet rhythm.

The Cotswolds, known for their honey-coloured cottages and slow-paced charm, suddenly felt like the backdrop to a high-stakes political drama. One café owner described the scene as 'overkill', noting that her regulars were put off by the sight of rifles in the lane.

Locals Speak Out, 'It's Like a Circus'

For many residents, the disruption wasn't just an inconvenience, but an intrusion. Janet (not her real name), one of two elderly residents stopped by security while on a walk, told The Times: 'I told the police, "we are two old ladies, we are hardly terrorists"' and added the situation felt like 'one blinking pantomime after the other'.

Pippa Hornby, owner of the rented manor where Vance is staying, apologised to neighbours for the frenzy, describing the extraordinary setup as a 'circus.'

Even some local supporters questioned whether such heavy-handed security was necessary in rural Gloucestershire. Coverage described the level of protection, converting peaceful lanes into checkpoints and deploying sniffer dogs, as resembling a state visit, not a private holiday.

Security Concerns Or Political Theatre?

While Vance's campaign has maintained that the measures were standard for a high-profile figure, some observers pointed out that the scale resembled a state visit rather than a private holiday.

According to the Financial Times, the deployment of armed officers, roadblocks, and helicopter support was unusually extensive for a personal trip. Coverage from several reports also described the security operation as highly visible and disruptive, with checkpoints, sniffer dogs, and restricted local access transforming the normally tranquil Cotswolds into what felt like a lockdown zone.

This suggests that the display may even be part of a calculated political image. By projecting a sense of constant threat, Vance could reinforce his narrative as a target of political opponents. However, this tactic risks alienating the very communities he visits, especially abroad, where residents are less accustomed to such spectacle.

A Balancing Act That's Wearing Thin

Public figures do require protection, and recent attacks on politicians worldwide underline the risks. However, striking the right balance between safety and normalcy is critical, and some argue that Vance's team has yet to find it.

The irony, locals say, is that the candidate's presence was hardly secret before the entourage arrived. Photos of Vance and his family had already circulated on social media, with several sightings posted in real-time. If anything, the sudden security swarm only amplified public attention.

For now, Vance's itinerary remains private, at least until the next roadblock or ride stoppage makes it all too obvious where he is. Whether this level of disruption is sustainable, especially during a heated election campaign, is another question entirely.