Vice President JD Vance is facing backlash after using an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience to promote what critics described as an “insane,” “reckless,” and “moronic” conspiracy theory about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein while defending the Trump administration’s handling of the Epstein files.
During the podcast, released Wednesday, Vance acknowledged that the White House had “screwed up” its messaging surrounding the controversy but continued to defend the administration’s actions.
But it was what came next that sparked the fiercest criticism.
As Rogan suggested that “most people think” Epstein was connected to Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, Vance didn’t push back.
“Yeah, Mossad or CIA or some other deep state, whether in America or Israel or some other country,” Vance replied.
“Or both,” Rogan added.
“Or both,” Vance agreed. “Look, he clearly had connections to the highest levels of American intelligence. He clearly had connections to the highest levels of Israeli intelligence.”
Those comments quickly spread across social media, where critics questioned why the sitting vice president was publicly speculating about intelligence connections instead of presenting evidence—or using the powers of his office to determine the facts.
“It’s too bad JD Vance is just some random podcast guest,” journalist Jesse Singal joked. “If he had any sort of real access to power he could get to the bottom of this once and for all.”
Others argued Vance was trying to portray himself as an outsider despite occupying one of the most powerful positions in government.
Political commentator Jeremiah Johnson wrote that it was “incredible” to watch “the SITTING VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” still doing the “outsider bit” by suggesting mysterious forces were hiding the truth somewhere inside the so-called “deep state.”
Some critics mocked what they viewed as Vance’s political strategy.
“JD Vance is trying to become the 48th President of the United States by appealing to 1-2% of the population,” user @gummibear wrote. “It’s an interesting strategy.”
Others focused on the broader implications of a vice president floating unverified theories.
Journalist Jane Coaston summed up the surreal nature of the moment: “On the one hand, it’s kind of insane for the Vice President of the United States to just be wondering blithely about any of this. On the other hand, I absolutely believe no one would tell him if they knew either way.”
Former Israeli government spokesman Eylon Levy was even more direct, asking: “Why is the Vice President of the United States engaging in reckless, baseless speculation and conspiracy thinking?”
Author Richard Hanania also blasted the exchange, writing that it was “incredibly pathetic” that someone serving as vice president could go on one of the world’s biggest podcasts and behave like “just another guy who spouts conspiracy theories because he has no way to get accurate information.”
Conservative commentator Emily Zanotti questioned Vance’s political future, writing that the issue was no longer whether he would seek the presidency, but “whether there will be anyone left who has any interest in voting for him by then.”
Another widely shared response pointed to the glaring contradiction in Vance’s comments.
“No declassified documents or official confirmation establish Epstein as a formal Mossad or CIA asset,” wrote social media user Billboard Chris. “If it’s true, then there are documents. As Vice President, why not speak with the President and get these documents declassified?”
The exchange added fresh fuel to the already heated debate surrounding the Epstein files—and left many observers wondering why one of the country’s top officials appeared more interested in speculating publicly than offering evidence.
Check JD Vance’s comments and some of the reactions below:
Rogan: Most people think Epstein was Mossad.
Vance: "Ya. Mossad or CIA or some other deep state, whether in America or Israel…He clearly had connections to the highest levels of American intelligence. He clearly had connections to the highest level of Israeli intelligence." pic.twitter.com/sdnI5XIlUf
— The Bulwark (@BulwarkOnline) July 15, 2026
