Vance Defends Trump, Says Emails Show Epstein 'Hated' Him

Vice President Vance argues Trump's 'hoax' dismissal was about Democratic claims of close ties, not Epstein's crimes.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 8:33am

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A moody, cinematic painting depicting a lone government building or political figure in warm, dramatic lighting, conveying a sense of nostalgia and unease surrounding the Trump-Epstein saga.The complex relationship between Trump and Epstein continues to cast a long shadow over American politics.Washington Today

Vice President JD Vance claimed that emails show former President Donald Trump and disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein 'hated' each other, and argued that being disliked by 'the worst people' is a 'pretty good thing' for Trump's character. Vance framed Trump's past dismissal of Epstein-related files as a 'hoax' as referring to Democratic claims of close ties between the two men, not Epstein's crimes.

Why it matters

Vance's comments come as Trump faces ongoing legal battles related to his ties to Epstein, including a dismissed lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal over a report claiming Trump's name appeared in an Epstein 'birthday book.' The relationship between Trump and Epstein has long been a source of controversy and speculation.

The details

Speaking at a Turning Point USA event, Vance said emails allegedly sent by Epstein show the two men 'hated' each other, with one email claiming Trump 'narced' on Epstein to local authorities. Vance argued that Trump's use of the word 'hoax' was misunderstood, and that he was dismissing the idea that he and Epstein were close friends, not Epstein's crimes. Vance also suggested that being disliked by someone like Epstein could be seen as a 'badge of honor' for Trump.

  • In 2007, an allegation led Trump to ban Epstein from Mar-a-Lago resort.
  • Epstein claimed in a 2019 email that he had never been a member of the Palm Beach club.
  • Last summer, Trump filed a $10 billion lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal over a report about an alleged Epstein 'birthday book' that was later dismissed.

The players

JD Vance

The current Vice President of the United States, who previously served as a U.S. Senator from Ohio.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who has faced ongoing scrutiny over his ties to the late Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

The disgraced financier who died in jail in 2019 while facing sex trafficking charges.

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What they’re saying

“What you see in those emails is that Jeffrey Epstein hated Donald Trump and Donald Trump hated Jeffrey Epstein.”

— JD Vance, Vice President

“One of the best signs for whether you are a good person or not, for whether you are a decent human being, is if the worst people in the world hate your guts. The fact that Jeffrey Epstein hates Donald Trump is a pretty good thing for Donald J Trump.”

— JD Vance, Vice President

What’s next

Trump's lawyers have indicated he plans to file an amended complaint in his dismissed lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal by the April 27 deadline.

The takeaway

Vance's comments highlight the ongoing political and legal battles surrounding Trump's ties to Epstein, with the Vice President arguing that the former president's dismissal of Epstein-related claims as a 'hoax' was misunderstood and that being disliked by Epstein is a positive reflection on Trump's character.