Former Vice President Mike Pence has broken ranks with President Donald Trump by publicly calling for the release of all files related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein’s investigation and prosecution. In a CBS News interview on Wednesday, Pence asserted that the time had come for full transparency, insisting that justice and accountability demand public access to the documents—excluding the names of victims to protect their privacy.
The sharp divergence between Pence and President Trump adds fuel to a growing public demand for clarity in the Epstein case, which continues to cast shadows over powerful figures even after Epstein’s death in 2019.
Pence Backs Transparency in Epstein Probe
Speaking to CBS’s Major Garrett, Mike Pence declared his unequivocal support for the full release of the Epstein files, provided that victims’ identities are redacted. “I think the time has come,” he said, emphasizing, “It’s important that we protect the names of the victims. They should be excluded from any disclosure.”
Pence’s position places him in direct opposition to President Trump’s view, which frames the renewed interest in the Epstein case as a politically motivated attack. By contrast, Pence insists the issue transcends partisanship, pointing out that Epstein’s prosecution spanned multiple administrations, including Bush, Obama, and Trump’s first term.
Trump Labels Epstein Scandal a ‘Democrat Hoax’
Earlier in the day, President Trump dismissed concerns surrounding Epstein’s associates as a “hoax,” blaming Democrats for reviving the issue and accusing some Republicans of “falling into the net.” In a Truth Social post, he derided it as a smear campaign orchestrated by the “Lunatic Left,” claiming past supporters had been “conned” and stating flatly, “I don’t want their support anymore.”
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump doubled down, saying, “It’s a big hoax. It’s started by Democrats. It’s been run by the Democrats for four years.” His comments drew criticism for downplaying the gravity of the case, especially following new findings from the Justice Department.
DOJ Identifies Over 1,000 Victims, Finds No Client List
A Justice Department review released last week revealed that investigators had identified more than 1,000 victims connected to Epstein’s sex trafficking operation. The report reaffirmed that Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial at a Manhattan federal detention facility.
Crucially, the DOJ review found no evidence of a so-called “client list” or that Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals—disputing long-held speculation about high-profile figures being compromised. Still, Pence’s push for transparency suggests a broader public reckoning is necessary, even without the explosive list many anticipated.
Pence Breaks with Trump on Fed Chair, Economic Policy
The former vice president also addressed speculation about Trump’s intent to remove Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell before the end of his term. “I’ve been a critic of the Fed over the years,” Pence noted, expressing concerns about the central bank’s dual mandate. Still, he acknowledged that inflation and growth challenges “flow more from the administration’s policies than from the Fed.”
President Trump reportedly asked GOP lawmakers during a closed-door Oval Office meeting if he should fire Powell. According to Trump, “Almost every one of them said I should, but I’m more conservative than they are.”
Pence, while defending past Trump-era trade policies, offered a subtler tone, underscoring the need for “measured leadership” rather than dramatic personnel upheaval.
Renewed Political Tensions Ahead of 2024 Election
Pence’s bold call for transparency—and his indirect rebuke of Trump’s rhetoric—comes as political divisions sharpen within Republican ranks ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Though no longer on the same ticket, Pence and Trump remain central figures shaping conservative discourse.
Pence’s appeal to truth and institutional trust is likely to resonate with moderates and independents, while Trump’s loyal base may see his defiance of the Epstein narrative as a continuation of his anti-establishment crusade.
Whether the files are released in full or kept sealed, the Epstein case is again dominating headlines—and putting renewed pressure on the Trump administration to act decisively and transparently.
