Vice President JD Vance stated during a recent three-hour appearance on “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast that the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein had connections to “the highest levels” of both American and Israeli intelligence agencies. Vance, who described himself as an early advocate of theories regarding Epstein’s alleged intelligence ties, claimed Epstein maintained relationships within the upper echelons of U.S. and Israeli intelligence circles. These assertions, which lack substantiated evidence, align with conspiracy theories that have circulated since Epstein’s death and have often been criticized for echoing antisemitic tropes. Naftali Bennett, Israel’s former prime minister, previously denied allegations that Epstein worked for Israeli intelligence or the government.
In the interview, Vance further speculated that Epstein was linked to the Israeli political left, referencing his association with former Prime Minister Ehud Barak. Barak, whose political stance has shifted toward the center in recent years, has denied any wrongdoing and expressed regret over his past relationship with Epstein. Vance also suggested Epstein’s ties to the U.S. spanned political lines, asserting, “He had Republican friends, he had Democratic friends,” but emphasized stronger connections to the Israeli left.
The vice president’s comments included a critique of Epstein’s relationship with Jewish billionaire philanthropist Les Wexner, whom Vance alleged may have used illicit financial arrangements to gain leverage over the financier. This claim, which Vance called an “underreported, underexplored story,” overlaps with documented reports of Epstein’s financial dealings with Wexner, though Wexner has consistently denied wrongdoing and cut ties with Epstein after learning of his misconduct.
Vance also addressed recent accusations that Israelis were involved in a campaign to undermine his role in brokering a ceasefire deal with Iran. While acknowledging foreign influence efforts as “the nature of the beast,” he condemned Americans allegedly accepting Israeli funding to criticize his policies, stating, “Many of the people who were receiving that money were actually attacking me in completely dishonest ways… my response to that is ‘Go to hell!’ I’m going to do what I have to do for the American people.”
Vance’s remarks about Epstein’s alleged intelligence connections have drawn scrutiny given his prior public skepticism of the official narrative surrounding Epstein’s death. In a prior interview, he acknowledged his view of the case as “a conspiracy theory,” while condemning Epstein’s associations with powerful individuals. The vice president’s stance on the Iran ceasefire, which has faced criticism for its concessions to Iran over Lebanon and the Strait of Hormuz, has since been overshadowed by President Trump’s renewed military actions against the country.
