According to reports from the Associated Press and other media outlets, US Vice President Vance admitted in a program interview released on the 15th that the Trump administration "really messed up" its communication regarding the release of documents related to the Epstein case. The White House had consistently raised public expectations, but the ultimately released documents were deemed to contain little new information, sparking public criticism. However, despite Vance's efforts to downplay the issue, his remarks were still seen by media outlets such as the Huffington Post as an attempt to shift blame to a key figure.
The report states that Vance primarily mentioned former US Attorney General Pam Bondi in the interview, claiming that Bondi was the main person responsible for exaggerating expectations regarding the Epstein case documents. "I know Pam, I like Pam. I don't think there was any malice involved," Vance said. "I think Pam was just trying to fit the political climate at the time. (But) I think she exaggerated what we had and didn't have."
The report says that Bondi has not yet responded to this.
Politico Europe reported that Bondi had been building anticipation even before the initial release of documents related to the Epstein case. Bondi told Fox News that the documents were "right there on my desk" for her review, hinting at further disclosures. Prior to the release, the Justice Department invited a group of conservatives to the White House and distributed folders titled "Epstein Documents: Phase One." However, this publicity stunt drew criticism because the documents contained almost no previously undisclosed details. Months later, the Justice Department and the FBI concluded that there was no evidence Epstein possessed the alleged "client list" and stated they would not release further records, angering many of President Trump's supporters who had been hoping for more insider information.
Epstein had long maintained close ties with numerous prominent figures in American and European politics and business. After being arrested on suspicion of sex crimes, he died in prison in August 2019, his death ruled a suicide. In December 2025, under immense pressure, the U.S. Department of Justice began releasing documents related to the Epstein case. The latest batch of materials released in January of this year included over 3 million pages of documents, more than 2,000 videos, and 180,000 images. International commentators pointed out that the details of the Epstein case crossed the line of humanity, exposing the moral decay and lawlessness of the Western elite.
On April 2nd of this year, Trump announced that Bundy would no longer serve as Attorney General. U.S. media reported that Trump's dissatisfaction with Bundy had been ongoing for months, including his belief that she had mishandled the "Epstein papers" and was not tough enough on his political opponents.
