“What is the first truly Islamist country that will get a nuclear weapon? Maybe it’s Iran, maybe Pakistan already kind of counts. And then we sort of finally decided, maybe it’s actually the UK since Labour just took over,” Vance, a 39-year-old Ohio lawmaker, remarked at a National Conservatism conference in Washington.

Vance, known for his “America First” stance, has been a vocal critic of US policies supporting Ukraine and a staunch supporter of Trump’s stance on Israel’s conflicts. Despite once labeling Trump “America’s Hitler,” Vance has transitioned to a strong supporter of the former president over the past decade, aligning closely with Trump’s agenda.

During the conference, Vance also offered advice to his “Tory friends” following the Conservative Party’s defeat in the recent UK general elections, urging them to manage the situation effectively.

Former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss attended the Milwaukee Republican convention where Trump officially nominated Vance. Truss praised Trump’s resilience after surviving an assassination attempt, contrasting it with her views on President Joe Biden’s leadership.

Vance, a graduate of Ohio State University and Yale Law School, served in the Marine Corps and was elected to the US Senate in 2022. His selection as Trump’s running mate followed the attempted assassination, highlighting his rise within Republican ranks.In response to Vance’s remarks, UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner expressed disbelief on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, stating, “I think he said quite a lot of fruity things in the past as well,” and rejecting Vance’s characterization of the UK under Labour as “Islamist.”Labour Minister James Murray, while emphasizing the strong US-UK relationship, commented, “I don’t really understand those comments,” indicating a diplomatic rift over Vance’s statements.

Vance’s political journey from a sharp Trump critic to an ally has been controversial. Initially critical of Trump’s rhetoric and policies, Vance’s transformation mirrored his growing alignment with Trump’s positions once elected to public office.

Vance’s comments on nuclear proliferation, made amidst the backdrop of geopolitical tensions and domestic political maneuvering, have drawn criticism and scrutiny from various quarters. The Muslim Council of Britain denounced Vance’s remarks as divisive and dangerous, highlighting concerns over rising Islamophobic sentiments in political discourse.

The controversy underscores broader concerns over the intersection of national security, international relations, and domestic politics, with Vance’s nomination adding fuel to ongoing debates about US foreign policy under a potential Trump administration comeback.