Popular podcaster criticizes JD Vance over past Epstein comments: 'What changed?'
In a social media post July 16, Theo Von, whose podcast and social media channels have millions of subscribers, recirculated a clip of a former interview with Vance in which the then-candidate appeared to agree to release alleged files about the criminal investigation into Epstein.
Von's comments join a growing chorus of online MAGA figures pushing back against the Trump administration after a July 7 announcement claiming the FBI and Department of Justice investigation found no evidence of a supposed client list, thought to contain names of individuals who were associated with Epstein's alleged sex trafficking.
The financier and convicted sex offender died while awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking in 2019.
Maurene Comey fired: Daughter of ex-FBI director and prosecutor against Jeffrey Epstein
Von reshared the 7-second video clip of his October 2024 interview with Vance in which the then-senator said "seriously, we need to release the Epstein list, that is an important thing," after another user, self-described as a progressive activist, posted it a day prior. The user's original post included the text: "A video is going viral showing JD Vance calling for the full Epstein list to be released − on Theo Von's podcast. Hey JD, what changed?"
Von republished the post on his own page, adding: 'Yeah, what changed?'
Von's podcast, "This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von," is the fourth most popular podcast on Spotify, as of mid-July, and is among the more popular conservative-leaning podcasting shows. It is often lumped in with Joe Rogan's within the so-called 'manosphere,' of media channels catering to predominantly male audiences. Von's show often features interviews with celebrities, political figures and influencers, including a nearly hour-long sit-down with Trump a few months before the November 2024 presidential election.
The alleged Epstein "client list" and surrounding controversies have created division within the Republican party and among some of MAGA's most vocal online personalities. Trump has long suggested he would be open to releasing the so-called list of Epstein clients, and Vance had also been vocal in making similar statements during the 2024 campaign.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said in March she had a "truckload" of Epstein files to review and potentially release, further stoking expectations and conspiracies, especially among Trump's base. Yet furor erupted on July 7 when Bondi's Justice Department announced there was no "client list" and no further disclosure was needed.
More about the Epstein 'list': Jeffrey Epstein is sowing division among MAGA. What to know about the late sex offender
While Trump has since directed Bondi to release "whatever she thinks is credible," he has attempted to distance himself from the uproar, claiming it to be a "Democratic hoax." Yet long-time Trump loyalists, including daughter-in-law Lara Trump and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, have called for more transparency. Democrats have also pushed for legislative action to release some of the documents.
Rep. Lauren Boebert, a hardline MAGA supporter, weighed in on X on July 15, writing: "We deserve the truth about the Epstein files. I'm ready for a Special Counsel to handle this."
Charlie Kirk, a key MAGA influencer who had spoke often about his doubts over the Epstein probe, abruptly reversed course on his vocal criticism this week, saying in his podcast: "I'm done talking about Epstein for the time being. I'm gonna trust my friends in the administration ."
Contributing: Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY; Reuters.
Kathryn Palmer is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kapalmer@usatoday.com and on X @KathrynPlmr.
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