US Vice President JD Vance has launched a charm offensive aimed at the UK and Europe, marking a significant shift in his previously hostile stance towards transatlantic allies. Vance has begun to make overtures, suggesting a renewed interest in strengthening ties, particularly with the UK.

One notable example of this newfound warmth is his optimistic tone regarding a potential trade deal between the UK and the US.

In a recent interview with UnHerd, Mr Vance stated that there was a "good chance" of such a deal, highlighting the reciprocal nature of the relationship between the two nations.

Mr Vance favourably contrasted this with the US-Germany dynamic, saying: "While we love the Germans, they are heavily dependent on exporting to the United States but are pretty tough on a lot of American businesses that would like to export into Germany.

However, commentator Anne McElvoy has cautioned against taking Vance's words at face value, suggesting that his sudden affection for the UK may be a calculated move, reports the Irish Star.

Writing in The i, Ms McElvoy noted: "The UK gets a large dose of love bombing and a pledge that a trade deal is imminent. No one on Team Keir is going to turn down this rough courtship - though any deal would need to be sizeable to offset the levies imposed on the UK and far larger ones on steel and cars.

"But one reason for the cosier tone on the international stage is a desire to offset a blizzard of negative headlines which have followed the President's abrupt row-back on tariffs that were only a couple of weeks ago presented as a definitive game changer."

Moreover, Ms McElvoy has hinted that Vance's recent display of diplomacy might be part of a grander scheme with an eye on the 2028 presidential race.

Given Trump's constitutional limit of two terms, Mr Vance is well-placed to capitalise on this situation, potentially facing off against Donald Trump Jnr.

Ms McElvoy speculated: "It is also a case-building exercise for ambitions that stretch beyond this White House and position him as a figure with global stature on the new right, with a possible eye on the presidential contest in 2028. So far, his most probable rival on that front is the president's son, Donald Trump Jnr."

Mr Vance's administration is not just trying to divert attention from Mr Trump's tariff debacle and the ensuing trade conflict with China; they're also taking aim at one of America's most esteemed institutions.

Harvard University has outright rejected Mr Trump's demands, which included giving the US government authority over its curriculum and faculty choices.

In retaliation, Harvard's president Alan Garber issued and made public a strongly worded letter.

Commenting on the demands in a statement on Harvard's website, he said: "They include requirements to "audit" the viewpoints of our student body, faculty, staff, and to "reduc[e] the power" of certain students, faculty, and administrators targeted because of their ideological views.

"No government-regardless of which party is in power-should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue."

Mr Vance has been a vocal critic of higher education, having previously referred to universities as the "enemy" in a 2021 speech, as reported by the BBC.

Some commentators believe that Mr Vance's efforts to strengthen ties with countries like the UK and Europe may be a deliberate attempt to divert attention from contentious domestic policies by presenting a more diplomatic image abroad.