Vance Admits Trump Administration Mishandled Epstein Files Release

Vice President JD Vance acknowledged that the Trump administration “absolutely screwed up the comms” surrounding the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, admitting in a lengthy interview with podcaster Joe Rogan that the government should have released all documents immediately Source: CNN. Vance’s comments come amid persistent backlash from the president’s own base over the handling of the Epstein case.

What Went Wrong

Vance pointed to former Attorney General Pam Bondi’s public statements that a purported “client list” was on her desk, which he said overstated what the administration had Source: The Guardian. He noted that binders of information handed to conservative influencers in February 2025 contained largely already-public documents, fueling mistrust Source: Al Jazeera. “I think Pam was trying to respond to the political moment,” Vance said, but “she got roasted for it publicly” Source: CNN.

Epstein’s Intelligence Ties

Vance also claimed that Epstein “clearly had connections to the highest levels of American intelligence” and “the highest levels of Israeli intelligence,” suggesting ties to Mossad or the CIA Source: Al Jazeera. He described Epstein as “connected to elements of the Israeli deep state that were left of centre” Source: Al Jazeera.

Broader Context

The vice president defended President Donald Trump’s role, arguing Trump “could have killed” the congressional effort to force release of the files if he had wanted to Source: CNN. However, he conceded the administration mishandled the release timeline: “If people want to say we mishandled the Epstein release, guilty” . Vance also criticized the original 2007–2008 plea deal negotiated by former US Attorney Alex Acosta, calling it “way too narrow” .