US Vice President JD Vance has reignited debate over Jeffrey Epstein's connections to intelligence agencies, suggesting the convicted sex offender likely had links to American or Israeli intelligence services. Speaking on The Joe Rogan Experience, Vance also criticised what he described as foreign influence efforts opposing the Trump administration's negotiations with Iran.
INR Report: Based on reporting by Slay News HERE: https://slaynews.com/jd-vance-epstein-worked-us-israeli-deep-state/
Vice President JD Vance has sparked renewed public discussion over Jeffrey Epstein's long-debated connections to intelligence agencies following remarks made during an interview with podcast host Joe Rogan.
According to Vance, Epstein likely maintained links to intelligence organisations in either the United States or Israel.
"Mossad or CIA or some other deep state, whether in America or Israel."
Vance told Rogan that he believed Epstein had "connections to the highest levels of American intelligence" as well as "the highest level of Israeli intelligence." He further suggested Epstein appeared to have been associated primarily with what he described as "elements of Israeli deep state that were left-of-center."
The comments have attracted attention because they come from a sitting Vice President discussing one of the most controversial unanswered aspects of the Epstein case.
Trump And The Epstein Files
During the interview, Vance also addressed continuing public interest surrounding the release of documents connected with the Epstein investigation.
He rejected claims that President Donald Trump had attempted to suppress the release of the files and said he had personally reviewed much of the available material.
According to Vance:
"I've looked at most of the Epstein files. I've never seen a single piece of credible evidence that Trump ever engaged in wrongdoing."
Those remarks sought to distinguish ongoing public speculation from what Vance described as the evidence he has personally examined.
Alleged Israeli Influence Campaign
The interview then shifted to foreign policy, where Vance discussed tensions surrounding the Trump administration's approach toward Iran.
He described himself as occupying a middle ground between strongly pro-Israel and strongly anti-Israel positions while claiming certain pro-Israel interests opposed attempts by the administration to negotiate with Tehran.
Vance alleged that individuals connected with elements of the Israeli government had funded what he characterised as an influence campaign targeting him and others involved in diplomatic negotiations.
He referred to a recent Time magazine article that, according to his account, described payments flowing through political consultants to individuals who subsequently criticised his role in negotiations with Iran.
Vance said such efforts would not alter his position.
"I'm going to do what I have to do for the American people. I represent Americans first."
He argued his responsibility was to pursue the foreign policy objectives established by President Trump rather than respond to outside political pressure.
America First, Israel and Foreign Policy
During the conversation with Joe Rogan, Vance was asked whether Israel exercises undue influence over American political decision-making.
The Vice President described the issue as complex, acknowledging that strong opinions exist across the political spectrum. He nevertheless maintained that President Trump ultimately makes his own foreign policy decisions and suggested the President could have chosen military action against Iran regardless of any outside influence.
At the same time, Vance argued there are organised lobbying efforts and advocacy campaigns that attempt to shape debate around Middle East policy. He said disagreements over Israel, Iran and American strategic priorities have become increasingly visible within the broader "America First" movement, particularly between those favouring military intervention and those advocating diplomatic engagement.
Epstein Questions Continue
Vance's comments have renewed discussion surrounding Jeffrey Epstein's relationships with influential individuals and institutions.
For years, questions have persisted over how Epstein accumulated his wealth, developed relationships with political, business and entertainment figures, and avoided serious criminal consequences for lengthy periods before his eventual arrest.
By suggesting Epstein had connections to American or Israeli intelligence services, Vance has added another high-profile voice to long-running public speculation regarding the financier's activities. However, no official findings have publicly confirmed such intelligence ties, and investigations into Epstein's network continue to generate debate and competing interpretations.
The Vice President's remarks are therefore likely to attract further scrutiny from both supporters and critics, particularly given his position within the Trump administration.
Does This Affect New Zealand?
While the issues discussed relate primarily to American domestic politics and foreign policy, they are relevant to New Zealand readers because they touch on broader questions of intelligence cooperation, international diplomacy and political influence.
New Zealand is a member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, alongside the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. As a result, debates surrounding intelligence agencies, international security partnerships and transparency in allied nations can have wider significance for New Zealand's own security relationships and public policy discussions.
The interview also reflects continuing international interest in the unresolved aspects of the Jeffrey Epstein case. Allegations regarding intelligence connections have circulated publicly for years, but many remain contested and unproven. Readers should distinguish between verified facts, official findings and statements made by political figures when assessing such claims.
Independent reporting. Original context. Credited sources.