Vance says Trump administration ‘screwed up’ communications around Epstein files
In a lengthy podcast interview with Joe Rogan released Wednesday, Vance pointed heavily at former Attorney General Pam Bondi; Pam Bondi infamously stated that Epstein’s alleged “client list” was “sitting on my desk right now.” Epstein was a convicted sex offender known for his extensive network of connections to the world elite.
Also read: US release of Epstein files draws attention to Bill Clinton, little reference to Trump
In addition to these comments, the Justice Department under Bondi responded to conservative commentators and influencers asking, “Epstein files: Phase 1?” and also submitted so-called “Declassified” files.
“I know Pam. I love Pam. I don’t think there was anything malicious going on,” Vance told Rogan. “I think Pam was trying to react to the political situation. I think she exaggerated what we had and what we didn’t have.”
As a result, Vance said Bondi was publicly “angered” and led people to “distrust” the administration’s efforts at transparency regarding the Epstein files.
“We absolutely messed up the communication of the Epstein files. That’s exactly what we did,” Vance said. “But do I think the reason we broke down communication was because we were trying to hide something? No.”
Controversy over the Epstein files dogged the administration for much of last year; Lawmakers eventually passed a measure mandating the release of scores of documents held by the government related to investigations into the disgraced financier. The Justice Department began releasing documents in late December, including photographs, call recordings, grand jury testimony and interview transcripts.
