JD Vance, the Vice President, seems to have undermined President Donald Trump’s endeavors to put the Epstein files controversy behind, as per his recent interview with the Daily Mail. Vance indicated his willingness to support further congressional investigations even as the President called on the nation to leave the scandal behind.
The conflicting views came to light on Tuesday when Vance expressed his support for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s suggestion that Prince Andrew should testify before Congress regarding his ties with Jeffrey Epstein. Meanwhile, in the Oval Office, Trump declared that it’s time for the nation to move on from the documents released by the Justice Department.
The most recent batch of materials includes 3 million files, 180,000 pictures, and 2,000 videos related to Epstein, who died in 2019. The bulk of documents has rekindled scrutiny of various high-profile figures who appeared in the records, including Trump, Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, and Elon Musk.
When questioned about Starmer’s remarks concerning Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor—stripped of his “Prince Andrew” title in October 2025—Vance revealed his readiness to pursue additional testimony.
In reference to the possibility of the British royal testifying before Congress, Vance affirmed his openness to the idea.
Vance told the Daily Mail he would leave it to congressional Republicans to decide whether Prince Andrew should testify. However, he did not hide his personal stance favoring the continuation of official investigations.
During the interview, the vice president criticized what he considered to be distressing connections among America’s elite. Vance said the files revealed an incestuous nature among America’s elites.
Vance’s skepticism about the Epstein case dates back years. In 2021, during his Senate campaign, he posted a tweet questioning why the U.S. government would keep Epstein’s clients secret. This earlier stance contrasts with his more recent attempts to distance Trump from the scandal.
After becoming a part of Trump’s political circle, Vance adjusted his message to highlight alleged ties between Epstein and left-wing political figures while trying to absolve Trump of any wrongdoing. He maintained that the Trump administration was not withholding information despite missing a legal deadline in December 2025 to release the documents.
In the Daily Mail interview, Vance tried to distinguish Trump from other notable figures mentioned in the files. He stated that President Trump, although acquainted with many of these people and possessing similar wealth and power, never had a close relationship with Epstein like many others did.
Vance pointed out Bill Gates and Bill Clinton as examples of individuals who are portrayed negatively by the files. Gates denied allegations made against him in the documents, while the Clintons agreed to testify to Congress about their ties to Epstein. However, being mentioned in the files does not necessarily imply wrongdoing.
Trump’s comments in the Oval Office implied his wish to end the Epstein files discourse. He suggested the documents cleared him and simultaneously praised Bill and Hillary Clinton, calling the former president someone he always liked and describing Hillary Clinton as competent and intelligent.
When Kaitlan Collins, a CNN correspondent, asked whether moving on from the files would bring justice to Epstein’s victims, Trump rebuked the reporter. He branded Collins as the worst reporter and advised her to smile more often.
The contrast between Vance’s readiness for further investigation and Trump’s appeal to move on underscores potential discord in how the administration handles the ongoing repercussions from the document release. Starmer’s assertion that Prince Andrew should be ready to testify before Congress adds international pressure to the domestic controversy.
British politician Lord Peter Mandelson is also under scrutiny following the document release. On February 3, 2026, the Metropolitan Police started a criminal investigation into Mandelson over allegations he misused his public office by sharing sensitive government information with Epstein. Other notable figures in entertainment and industry mentioned in the files include Woody Allen, Martha Stewart, Katie Couric, Deepak Chopra, and Richard Branson.
The release by the Justice Department last week stands as the largest disclosure of Epstein-related materials since their publication became a federal requirement. The materials have sparked renewed public curiosity in Epstein’s network of connections among the business, political, and entertainment elite.
Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former associate, features prominently in the released materials. The documents detail communications and dealings involving several public figures over many years.
As the controversy continues, it will be up to congressional Republicans to decide whether to seek testimony from Prince Andrew or other individuals mentioned in the files.
