April 1, 2024, Montpelier, Vermont — In a surprise announcement, Gov. Phil Scott told a hastily-assembled press corps (numbering in the mid-single digits) that he would sleep outside tonight.

“At a time when so many Vermonters are having trouble keeping a roof over their heads, they need to know their governor stands with them,” Scott said, standing outside the Statehouse clad in white shirt, tie, and tactical vest. “Therefore, I’m going to spend the night sleeping outside, here on the Statehouse lawn.”

As he spoke, a crew from the Department of Buildings and General Services was pitching a tent of the style depicted above. “At the same time, in order to perform my duties to the best of my ability as all Vermonters expect, I will require the fully-equipped, state-of-the-art ‘outdoor overnighting facility’ you see before you,” Scott added, as BGS staff hooked up a power supply and rolled in a 60-inch flat-screen TV, space heater, and mini-fridge.

Nearby, Vermont State Police troopers were setting up a mobile command post to maintain security for the nighttime hours. Floodlights were placed in a ring around the tent, pointed downwards and outwards to enhance security without disturbing the governor’s slumber.

The Vermont Office of Emergency Management was also there, erecting an eight-foot-high security fence in a wide circle about 100 feet away from the tent and topping it with razor wire.

When asked about the price tag for the one-night installation, a spokesperson said a cost estimate was not immediately available.

After the brief announcement, Scott returned to his office on the fifth floor of the Pavilion Building. When would he return to the tent for his overnight stay? His staff, citing security concerns, declined to give any further details.