JD Vance and Thomas Skinner strike unlikely friendship after going for ‘BBQ and a few beers’

JD Vance has enjoyed a barbecue with former The Apprentice contestant Thomas Skinner this week, a moment literally none of us could've predicted at the start of the year.

The US Vice President is currently in the UK on holiday, meaning residents of the Cotswolds are currently subject to police motorcades, 'no-fly zones', and general disruption to their day as the 41-year-old kicks back and relaxes in the idyllic English countryside.

And Vance appears to be enjoying his time away from the White House by getting his 'bosh' on, as he hung out with the businessman and TV personality last night (12 August).

No, we're not joking.

Realising this was definitely a 'pics or it didn't happen' moment, Skinner shared a selfie of himself with the politician alongside a lengthy caption detailing their exploits on social media.

"Here is a pic of Me and Vice President @JDVance towards the end of the night after a few beers," he wrote on X, adding: "I’m overdressed in my suit, but when the VP invites you to a BBQ, you don’t risk turning up in shorts an flip-flops.

"Cracking night in the beautiful English countryside with JD, his friends and family. Once in a lifetime."

Who knew JD Vance was such a fan of UK TV personalities?

Skinner also revealed that the meet-up had even been initiated by Vance, saying he'd been invited over for 'a BBQ an beers' in a previous tweet.

"A brilliant night, one to tell the grand kids about, mate," he added.

The hangout is certainly one for the history books, as the rest of the UK have been left scratching their heads and wondering about the sequence of events which led to a pillow salesman and reality TV contestant hanging out with the second-most important man in the United States.

When the Vice President of the USA invites ya for a BBQ an beers, you say yes. Unreal night with JD and his friends n family. He was a proper gent. Lots of laughs and some fantastic food. A brilliant night, one to tell the grand kids about mate. Bosh❤️

— Thomas Skinner ⚒ (@iamtomskinner) August 12, 2025

"JD Vance befriending Tom Skinner is giving me the same vibes as Winston Churchill meeting up with Tommy Shelby," wrote on person in reaction to the meeting, while another person joked: "Kemi Badenoch, Leader of the Opposition, meeting JD Vance: Nope.

"Tom Skinner, Apprentice contestant, meeting JD Vance: sure."

Now, the meeting may appear to have come out of the blue to the casual observer, but this isn't the first time Vance and Skinner have crossed paths online, with the Vice President previously supporting the Essex native after he spoke about about online abuse back in July.

Vance may have received a warm reception from Skinner, but this courtesy hasn't been shared by the locals of the Cotswolds, as dozens of residents have taken to the street to protest his holiday.

Locals have taken to the street holding placards featuring a 2016 quote from Vance saying he was a 'never-Trump guy' have been spotted, while a van displaying the infamous 'bald JD Vance' meme has been driving around the area's picturesque streets.