JD Vance says Epstein had connections to CIA and Mossad

What Happened

US Vice President JD Vance, in a podcast interview, stated that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein 'clearly had connections to the highest levels of American intelligence' and 'the highest levels of Israeli intelligence,' suggesting Mossad or CIA involvement. Vance claimed Epstein was tied to 'elements of the Israeli deep state that were left of centre,' notably former Prime Minister Ehud Barak. Separately, Vance alleged a 'very discreet, extremely well-funded campaign' by elements of the Israeli government to derail US–Iran negotiations, citing a Time magazine article detailing an 'Israeli influence operation targeting the MAGA base.' He stated that Brad Parscale, a digital adviser on Trump’s 2020 campaign, is reportedly paid $1.5 million a month to run this operation, and that paid influencers were attacking him viciously. Vance argued that without Israeli influence, the US would likely not have engaged in the most recent war with Iran.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

Vance’s remarks inject high-level US confirmation of long-held suspicions about Epstein’s intelligence ties, potentially reigniting scrutiny of the Epstein case and its implications for US and Israeli state actors. His allegation of covert Israeli funding to sway US policy on Iran raises questions about foreign interference in American decision-making and could strain US–Israeli relations. The comments also frame Vance as a ‘reasonable moderate’ in the polarised Israel–Iran debate, positioning him for a 2028 presidential run.

Watch For

Official reactions from Israel and the US intelligence community; any follow-up investigations or document releases regarding Epstein’s connections; developments in the US–Iran conflict and the status of the defunct memorandum of understanding; further reporting on the alleged Israeli influence operation; and how Vance’s statements resonate within the Republican primary electorate ahead of 2028.