By Isabella Torregiani
12:40pm PDT, Jul 18, 2025
_
Mike Pence has joined the growing number of Republicans urging President
Donald Trump to release the files related to
Jeffrey Epstein.
Keep reading for his full statement … MORE:
Follow Wonderwall on MSN for more
_
The former Vice President spoke with CBS News about the ongoing controversy surrounding the unreleased Jeffrey Epstein documents.
"I think the time has come for the administration to release all of the files regarding Jeffrey Epstein's investigation and prosecution," Mike Pence said.
"I just think we ought to get the facts to the American people. I've always believed in transparency," he added.
He went on to say that "anyone who participated or was associated with this despicable man ought to be held up to public scrutiny."
_
President Donald Trump has recently come under fire from both political opponents and supporters over his refusal to release the documents.
He has dismissed the files as a "hoax," claiming they were pushed by Democrats — but Pence challenged that narrative.
"Jeffrey Epstein's prosecution began during the George Bush administration, continued through the Barack Obama years," he said. "I know of no reason why this administration, once the victims' names are protected, should not release all the files on Jeffrey Epstein."
_
Tensions between Mike Pence and President Donald Trump have simmered since the former VP refused to support Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
Since Trump took office for a second term, Pence has publicly voiced his disapproval on several issues — including his strong objection to the president's pardons for those involved in the January 6 Capitol riot, calling them "deeply disappointing."
