16 July,2026 09:40 AM IST | Washington | mid-day online correspondent
US Vice President JD Vance. Pic/AFP
US Vice President JD Vance has acknowledged that the Trump administration mishandled its communication regarding the release of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, saying the issue damaged public trust in the administration's transparency.
Speaking during a lengthy podcast interview with Joe Rogan that was released on Wednesday, Vance said the administration failed to effectively communicate what information was available and what was not. However, he rejected suggestions that the communication lapses were part of an effort to conceal evidence.
During the interview, Vance largely referred to former Attorney General Pam Bondi, who had previously stated that an alleged "client list" linked to Epstein was "sitting on my desk right now." The remarks generated widespread attention and fuelled public speculation about the contents of the government's records related to Epstein.
Epstein, a convicted sex offender, was known for maintaining connections with several influential figures from politics, business and other sectors. His case has remained the subject of intense public scrutiny for years.
Vance defended Bondi, saying he did not believe there was any intent to mislead the public.
"I know Pam. I like Pam. I don't think there was anything malicious going on," Vance told Rogan. "I think Pam was trying to respond to the political moment. I think she overstated what we had and what we didn't have."
Vance said Bondi faced strong public criticism following her comments, adding that the episode contributed to growing scepticism about the administration's handling of the Epstein-related records.
According to Vance, the confusion surrounding the communication created unnecessary doubts about the government's transparency, even though he maintained there was no attempt to suppress information.
"We absolutely screwed up the comms of the Epstein files. Like, we just did," Vance said. "But do I think the reason we screwed up the comms is because we were trying to hide something? No."
The controversy surrounding the Epstein files remained a significant political issue for much of last year. The debate intensified as lawmakers pushed for greater transparency regarding documents connected to the government's investigations into the disgraced financier.
Congress eventually approved a measure requiring the release of a substantial collection of records held by the government related to the Epstein investigation.
The US Justice Department began releasing the documents in late December. The material included photographs, call logs, grand jury testimony and interview transcripts gathered during the course of the investigation.
The release of the records was intended to provide greater public access to government documents connected to the high-profile case, which has continued to attract widespread attention due to Epstein's criminal convictions and his associations with prominent individuals.
(With inputs from Associated Press)
