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JD Vance admits government mishandled Epstein files, suggests Mossad ties
🇩🇪 Germany /Crime & Justice

JD Vance admits government mishandled Epstein files, suggests Mossad ties

From Der Spiegel · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • US politician JD Vance criticized his government's handling of files related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
  • Vance stated the communication surrounding the Epstein files was "completely messed up" but denied any attempt to conceal information.
  • He also suggested Epstein may have had ties to Mossad or other intelligence agencies, and alleged Israeli influence campaigns in the US.

U.S. politician JD Vance has acknowledged that his government mishandled the release of files concerning sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Speaking on "The Joe Rogan Experience" podcast, Vance stated, "If people want to say we mishandled the Epstein release: guilty." He specifically criticized the communication strategy, calling it "completely messed up." However, Vance asserted that the mishandling was not due to an attempt to hide anything, attributing it instead to the spread of false claims.

If people want to say we mishandled the Epstein release: guilty.

— JD VanceJD Vance admitting his government's mishandling of the Epstein file release on the 'The Joe Rogan Experience' podcast.

Vance pointed to a widely reported statement by then-Attorney General Pam Bondi, who had claimed to have a client list from Epstein. Bondi was dismissed by then-President Donald Trump in early April. Epstein was arrested in 2019 on charges including the sexual abuse of minors. He was found dead in his New York prison cell about a month later, with official reports citing suicide.

But I don't believe we messed up because we tried to hide something? No.

— JD VanceVance explaining his reasoning for the mishandling of the Epstein files during the podcast.

The scandal has resurfaced with the legally mandated release of investigation files. The U.S. government has sought to distance itself from Trump regarding the matter. The release of these files, which fell under Bondi's purview, was initially resisted by Trump for months before Congress, with Republican support, forced their disclosure.

Yes, Mossad or CIA or any other deep state.

— JD VanceVance responding to theories about Epstein's potential ties to intelligence agencies.

When questioned about theories suggesting Epstein's potential involvement with Israel's Mossad intelligence agency, Vance responded, "Yes, Mossad or CIA or any other deep state." He further claimed that Epstein "obviously had connections to the highest levels of the Israeli intelligence services." Vance also alleged that parts of Israel are conducting a "very discreet, extremely well-funded campaign" aimed at influencing U.S. public opinion and undermining negotiations with Iran.

obviously had connections to the highest levels of the Israeli intelligence services.

— JD VanceVance elaborating on Epstein's alleged connections to Israeli intelligence.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Der Spiegel in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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