JD Vance Defends Trump’s Comments on Epstein, Faces Backlash for Misrepresentation

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:43:00 +0200

During a recent Q&A at the University of Georgia hosted by Turning Point USA, Vice President JD Vance attempted to defend President Donald Trump’s remarks calling the release of Jeffrey Epstein-related files a 'Democrat hoax.' Vance claimed that Trump’s comments were misinterpreted, suggesting the president was only calling the supposed Democratic claims about his friendship with Epstein a hoax, not denying Epstein’s own crimes or existence. He argued that Trump’s acquaintanceship with Epstein was incidental, stemming from their shared social circles in Palm Beach. Vance even stated that emails from the Justice Department proved the two men disliked each other.

However, social media critics and journalists quickly pointed out that Trump himself had publicly praised Epstein in 2002, calling him a 'terrific guy' who enjoyed the company of younger women. Epstein, in turn, described Trump as his 'closest friend for 10 years' during an interview with author Michael Wolff in 2017. Archived