Vice President JD Vance recently stated on "The Joe Rogan Experience" that Jeffrey Epstein had connections to the "highest levels" of Israeli and American intelligence, a claim that has sparked significant backlash from political allies and critics alike. While public records from the U.S. government regarding Epstein have not produced evidence of him serving as an intelligence asset, the remarks have intensified internal debate within the Republican Party regarding antisemitism and foreign policy.
Statements on Epstein and Intelligence Ties
During a podcast interview released on Wednesday, Vice President JD Vance discussed the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein with host Joe Rogan. When Rogan suggested that there was a widespread public perception that Epstein’s influence on American universities was linked to the Israeli intelligence service, Mossad, Vance agreed such a view persists.
"He clearly had connections to the upper — the highest — levels of American intelligence," Vance said. "He clearly had connections to the highest levels of Israeli intelligence."
Vance acknowledged that he had personally inquired about the existence of documents linking Epstein to intelligence agencies and confirmed, "the answer is no." However, he suggested that if such evidence existed, it would not be publicly available by 2026.
Political Backlash and Criticism
The comments drew immediate condemnation from prominent figures who argue the rhetoric mirrors dangerous conspiracy theories. Former Representative Peter T. King, a Republican from New York, labeled the remarks a "dog whistle" to antisemitic and anti-Israel factions within the party.
"You’re the vice president of the United States," King said in an interview on Saturday. "Unless you know what you’re talking about, unless you have absolute facts to back it up, before you undermine an ally — before you undermine your own intelligence agencies — you better know what you’re talking about."
Conservative podcaster Ben Shapiro, who is Jewish and a vocal supporter of Israel, also criticized the vice president’s comments. Writing in his newsletter, Shapiro stated the appearance was "unworthy of the office" and argued that promoting "baseless conspiracy theorizing" undermines the conservative principle of individual agency. Additionally, the publication Tablet featured a column by journalist Lee Smith, which characterized Vance’s comments as an attack on Jewish people based on "baseless rumors."
Official Responses and Context
The Israeli government has long denied any formal relationship between the state and Epstein. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously addressed the topic in February, stating on social media that Epstein’s association with former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak did not imply the sex offender worked for Israel.
Ehud Barak, who admitted to receiving $2.3 million in payments from an Epstein-associated foundation and having business dealings with him, has publicly expressed regret for the association. He has consistently denied witnessing or participating in any illegal acts involving Epstein.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has also publicly pushed back against the narrative. Last year, after conservative media figure Tucker Carlson suggested a link between Epstein and Mossad at a Turning Point USA conference, Bennett stated on social media that the accusation was "categorically and totally false."
When asked for comment regarding the vice president’s recent remarks, an unnamed White House official stated that everything Vance said was accurate and dismissed criticisms as being made in "bad faith."
Vance’s Position on Allegations
Despite the controversy, Vance rejected claims that he holds antisemitic views. During the podcast, he expressed confusion regarding why he has been the subject of such accusations, describing himself as a "reasonable moderate" regarding the U.S.-Israel relationship. He also explicitly pushed back against a theory raised by Rogan that Epstein’s files were used to blackmail the Trump administration into initiating war.
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