Epstein Files Update: JD Vance Admits Trump Admin 'Screwed Up'
Newsweek · C · trust 55/100
0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. Vice President JD Vance acknowledged that the Trump administration "absolutely screwed up" its handling of communications surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein files, conceding that the public rollout created confusion and fueled speculation.
Speaking on Wednesday's episode of The Joe Rogan Experience , Vance said the administration's messaging was poorly executed but rejected claims that officials were attempting to conceal evidence.
"We absolutely screwed up the comms of the Epstein files. We just did," Vance said, adding that he does not believe the missteps were part of an effort to hide anything from the public.
Vance said that this was in part due to former Attorney General Pam Bondi's claim that the Epstein client list was on her desk. He said that Bondi was likely attempting to meet the political moment but overstated what the administration had and what it did not.
Vance said that Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died by suicide in jail in 2019 while awaiting further charges, "clearly had connections to the highest levels of American intelligence" as well as "the highest levels of Israeli intelligence."
While Epstein's relationships with powerful political, business, and social figures have long been documented, claims regarding intelligence ties have been the subject of years of speculation and debate.
The comments are likely to intensify renewed scrutiny over the Epstein case and the administration's handling of records related to the late financier.
Critics continue to demand greater transparency regarding the release of government files, and Vance's remarks may add fuel to ongoing political and public debate over what information remains undisclosed and whether additional documents should be released.
This is a developing story that will be updated with additional information.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Anna Commander and Sam Wilson .
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