Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has publicly called for the full release of all records related to Jeffrey Epstein’s investigation and prosecution, emphasizing the importance of transparency while also calling for protection of victim identities.
“The time has come for the administration to release all of the files,” Pence said in an interview with CBS News’ Major Garrett. “Victims’ names should be excluded, but the facts should be made public.”
Pence’s comments come amid growing Republican division over the Epstein case. President Donald Trump, in contrast, dismissed the controversy as a politically motivated fabrication.
“It’s a big hoax, started and pushed by Democrats and some stupid Republicans,” Trump said from the Oval Office on Wednesday.
On Truth Social, Trump further labeled the Epstein issue as a “hoax” used by “past supporters” tricked by the “Lunatic Left,” even declaring, “I don’t want their support anymore.”
Pence rebutted that claim:
“The prosecution of Epstein began under Bush, continued through Obama. This is not partisan. There’s no reason not to release the files—transparency matters.”
A recent Justice Department review identified over 1,000 victims in the Epstein case and confirmed Epstein’s 2019 suicide in federal custody. However, it found no evidence of a ‘client list’ or blackmail operation.
Pence also addressed President Trump’s reported interest in firing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, acknowledging his own past criticisms of the Fed but cautioning against blaming it for all economic issues.
“Economic challenges often stem more from White House policy than Fed action,” Pence said, noting the Trump administration’s past success in using tariffs to reduce trade barriers.
According to CBS News, Trump privately asked GOP lawmakers this week whether he should remove Powell. Trump later said, “Almost every one of them said I should, but I’m more conservative than they are.”
