Vice President Vance Says Trump Administration Mishandled Epstein Files Release but Did Not Intend to Hide Information

Vance stated the administration "did mishandle" the release and should have released the documents as quickly as possible. He added that time would still be required to redact victim identities before full disclosure. The Justice Department under Attorney General Pam Bondi gave right-wing influencers binders labeled "The Epstein Files: Phase 1" and "Declassified," many of which contained documents already available to the public.

He maintained the problem stemmed from communications rather than any plan to hide information. The Department of Justice began releasing Epstein-related documents in late December, including photos, call logs, grand jury testimony, and interview transcripts, after lawmakers passed a measure requiring the release of government records tied to the investigations.