Latest news with #JD Vance
Fox News
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Fox News
Vance turns tables on media asking if Trump is covering for 'pedophiles,' says press never asked prior admins
Vice President JD Vance trashed the media on Monday for not asking prior presidential administrations why they weren't being transparent with the Jeffrey Epstein case. During an address in Canton, Ohio, touting President Donald Trump's economic agenda, Vance replied to a question about whether Republicans were "protecting pedophiles" with how Trump has handled the Jeffrey Epstein case. Vance said Trump has been the most transparent president on the Epstein topic and slammed the mainstream media for only now applying new scrutiny to the story with the president in office. "For four years under Joe Biden's Department of Justice, the media didn't give a damn about the Epstein files or about the Epstein case," he said. Some Trump supporters and critics have accused the administration of conspiring to cover up the details of the sex trafficking case against the sexual predator after Trump's DOJ and the FBI said earlier this month that there were no more major details to reveal about the Epstein case. "This systemic review revealed no incriminating 'client list,'" read a joint memo leaked to Axios. "There was also no credible evidence found that Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals as part of his actions. We did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties." The revelation shocked many MAGA Republicans and Trump supporters, who had for years believed that Epstein was at the heart of a child sex trafficking ring that involved blackmailing prominent figures worldwide. In Canton, Associated Press reporter Julie Carr Smyth asked Vance, "There are some protesters outside accusing the GOP of protecting pedophiles and were wondering what you think are the reasons the U.S. government should shield the client list of Epstein from the public and what you have to say about any relevance to that here today." Vance responded by saying that Trump has been transparent. "First of all, the president has been very clear, we're not shielding anything. The president has directed the attorney general to release all credible information and frankly, to go and find additional credible information related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. He's been incredibly transparent about that stuff." "The president has been very clear he wants full transparency," Vance added. Following backlash to the DOJ and FBI Epstein memo, Trump urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to release all "pertinent" transcripts on the case. Vance then ripped the media's newfound curiosity about the case during Trump's second term. "For 20 years, you had Obama and George W. Bush's Department of Justice go easy on this guy. They didn't fully investigate the case, they didn't show any curiosity about the case and now Donald J. Trump is asking his Department of Justice to show full transparency, and somehow that's a criticism of Donald J. Trump and not Barack Obama and George W. Bush." Vance advised the AP reporter and Trump critics, "If you want to criticize the people who aren't showing full transparency, you ought to go after the administrations that went easy on Jeffrey Epstein, the administrations that concealed this case for 20 years, and the administrations that failed to show full transparency."
The Independent
a day ago
- The Independent
I'm an American living in the Cotswolds — JD Vance will have a dream vacation here (despite the terrifying roads)
'I couldn't believe some of the narrow roads were two-way.' American Audrey Ann Masur has lived in the Cotswolds, England, for almost five years and she's still surprised at how cars manage the slender roads. 'I was terrified of driving at first,' she tells me. So the motorcade drivers for JD Vance will have their work cut out in August during his summer family vacation to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which spans parts of six counties (Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire and Somerset). But Audrey has a message of reassurance for the Vice President: 'It's hard to go wrong with the Cotswolds. ' In fact, the 37-year-old admits: 'I still pinch myself some days.' Audrey says it 'now feels totally normal to drive along narrow roads and pull over for passing', and has built a following of over 11,000 on Instagram with upbeat posts that lift the veil on what life is like in picture-postcard England for someone from a rural farm community in Indiana. Audrey moved to the Cotswolds because her husband landed a job on one of the US bases in the area, though they live with their children in a Gloucestershire village off-base. Aside from the driving, did any other surprises pop up? Audrey says: 'Some household differences would be having no screens on the windows and no [electricity] outlets in the bathrooms. 'A few cultural differences would be how much people chat about the weather, the fact that you need to offer your friend cake two or three times instead of believing their initial refusal and the way everyone ends texts with 'xx'.'. As for the Cotswolds itself, Audrey remarks that while it's an expensive life, 'the quality of living is very good'. She continues: 'I knew it would be lovely, but it has exceeded my expectations. Doing everyday life in such a gorgeous setting lifts your spirits. I'm an old soul, so I really enjoy the local village traditions and events, particularly in the summer and at Christmas.' Audrey also loves to explore — and Mr Vance might like to make a note of some of her favorite sights and villages. The digital creator reveals: 'Stow-on-the-Wold is one of my favourite places to shop or get a coffee. And there you can also visit the 'Tolkien Door' at St Edward's Church [so named because it looks like it's been warped in from the author's Middle-earth]. I love the public footpaths around Winchcombe, and Sudeley Castle is a special place. 'Also, an afternoon at Chastleton House never disappoints and I love a little mooch — a new word in my American vocabulary — around Daylesford Farm and Eleven Bibury [an upscale destination in the village of Bibury comprising a café, shop and tearoom].' Audrey is also a fan of TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson 's Diddly Squat Farm, just outside the village of Chadlington. The farm featured on an Amazon Prime Video series and is now open to the public. Audrey comments: 'I'm from an agricultural community and have farmers in my family, so I think Clarkson's farm has done a great job raising awareness and conversation about what farmers are facing right now. 'We all love a bit of entertainment, and even better when it can do some good. Of course, it's not the most aesthetic place to visit in the Cotswolds, but clearly people love the show and I think that's a positive thing.' Mr Vance is, of course, already sold on the idea of a Cotswolds vacation, but Audrey believes more Americans should follow in his, and her, footsteps. She says: 'Often called a storybook or fairytale setting, the Cotswolds' natural beauty truly is outstanding, and the honey-colored buildings are well-maintained. The views — stunning! It's a place that encourages people to slow down, to literally stop and smell the roses. 'Rolling hills — a patchwork of green, yellow, and even purple — surround us everywhere we go.' But tread carefully, warns Audrey. She cautions: 'It is important for tourists to remember that these villages are not theme parks. 'Real people live here and need to carry out their everyday lives. On my Instagram page, I often encourage tourists to be respectful, particularly with parking, rubbish, and interactions. It's an amazing place to vacation when you keep those things in mind.' Audrey and her family will have to say goodbye to the area within the next few years, and it'll be a sad moment. She tells us that she and her family have made friends 'through church, work, and school' and 'even have some surrogate grandparent figures for the children'. She adds: 'I love the Cotswolds not only for the beauty, but because it's home now and I'm a part of the community. It's where my children are growing up and it will always remain very dear to my heart.'
BBC News
18-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Trump denies he wrote lewd birthday note for Epstein as he asks for release of court papers
Update: Date: 12:30 BST Title: Trump backers split over Epstein files as they call for transparency Content: Demands for the release of court documents relating to the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein have also been coming from Trump's supporters. As US Vice-President JD Vance arrived in West Pittson, Pennsylvania, he was greeted by a sign reading: "WHERE IS THE LIST???" - a reference to Epstein's purported client list. During his presidential campaign Trump promised to declassify Epstein files, including the much-anticipated 'list'. "We put you in office, you ran on this platform," truck driver and Trump supporter Steven Taylor told the BBC. "We didn't ask for it. And now we want it. We demand it. There needs to be accountability. There needs to be justice." Others remain confident the files will be released. Ed DeLucca, 72, said that when Trump "is ready, he'll let them out". "There's a reason for it. They'll come out," he added before saying that Maga factions warring over the Epstein files need to "make peace" first. And some are pinning the blame for the growing pressure on Democrats for failing to declassify more details earlier. "I don't care. Democrats should have released it when Biden was president," Chrissy Matticks told the BBC. "Democrats are just using it as a political football." Update: Date: 12:10 BST Title: Who was Jeffrey Epstein? Content: Before he became the central figure in a high-profile sex trafficking case, Jeffrey Epstein was a maths teacher and powerful financier in New York City. Courting the rich and famous with private jets and lavish parties in the 1980s, Epstein's business grew to manage hundreds of millions of dollars in clients' assets. Among the celebrities he socialised with were US President Donald Trump, former president Bill Clinton and Prince Andrew. "I've known Jeff for 15 years. Terrific guy," Trump told New York magazine in 2002, external. In 2005, the parents of a 14-year-old girl told police in Florida that Epstein had molested their daughter at his Palm Beach home. He avoided federal charges and instead received an 18-month prison sentence. Since 2008, Epstein had been listed as a level three on the New York sex offenders register. It was a lifelong designation meaning he was at a high risk of reoffending. In July 2019, he was arrested in New York on sex trafficking charges, accused of running "a vast network" of underage girls for sex. After being denied bail, he was held in New York's Metropolitan Correctional Center, where he was found dead in his cell months later. Update: Date: 11:45 BST Title: How Republicans are reacting Content: US President Donald Trump is facing a mixture of backlash and support over the handling of the Epstein files issue, including from his often loyal political base. On Thursday, Georgia congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene said: "If President Trump was guilty of anything regarding Jeffrey Epstein, Democrats would have used it against him the past 4 years." She also thanked Pam Bondi and Donald Trump, reacting to their announcement that they will unseal grand jury transcripts. Meanwhile, representative Thomas Massie said on X: "Folks, keep the pressure on, it's working. But we want all the files." House Speaker Mike Johnson said on Tuesday the justice department should release all of its information on the disgraced sex offender. On Wednesday, he walked back on these comments, saying his words were "misrepresented", and he was clear he was "saying the same thing as the president" and only wants "credible information" released. Another conservative Republican, Lauren Boebert of Colorado, said on Tuesday the "American people deserve and can handle the truth. Let's see the files". But other influential Republicans – including senator John Thune and congressman Jim Jordan – deferred to Trump on the matter. Update: Date: 11:26 BST Title: Trump denies report he wrote Epstein lewd birthday note Content: These latest developments come shortly after Trump said he would sue the Wall Street Journal over an article alleging that a "bawdy" birthday greeting bearing his name was sent to Epstein in 2003, before the late financier was charged with sex crimes. The letter, which the newspaper claims was sent on Epstein's 50th birthday, has been decried by Trump as a "fake". In a post, Trump says the newspaper and owner Rupert Murdoch "were warned directly" they would be sued if they printed the story, describing it as "false, malicious, and defamatory". According to the newspaper, a letter bearing Trump's name "contained several lines of typewritten text framed by the outline of a naked woman, which appears to be hand-drawn with a heavy marker". "Inside the outline of the naked woman was a typewritten note styled as an imaginary conversation between Trump and Epstein, written in the third person," the paper reports. It reportedly contains a joking reference that 'Enigmas never age' and allegedly ends with the words: "A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret." "These are not my words, not the way I talk. Also, I don't draw pictures," Trump said on social media in response to the story. According to the WSJ, the letter was part of a compilation of birthday greetings that was put together by Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Maxwell was convicted in 2021 of helping Epstein to sex-traffic children and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Update: Date: 11:06 BST Title: A timeline of how we got here Content: Donald Trump, his wife Melania, Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell pose for a photo in February 2000 While campaigning for the presidency, Donald Trump promised to disclose as yet unreleased files relating to Jeffrey Epstein, after conspiracy theories about them swirled online for years. Since Trump's return to office in January, some supporters have grown frustrated with his administration's handling of this pledge. Here's a look back at the key dates since: 21 February Attorney General Pam Bondi tells Fox News that a list of Epstein's clients is 'sitting on my desk right now'. The White House later says she was referring to all the files related to Epstein's crimes. 28 February Bondi accuses federal investigators of withholding thousands of documents related to Epstein, and asks the FBI to release all the information. 26 April Virginia Giuffre, who accused Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein of sexual assault, dies by suicide aged 41, her family says. The prince has long denied any wrongdoing. 6 June Tech billionaire Elon Musk posts on X that Trump is 'in the Epstein files', referring to court documents and evidence thought to have been collected by investigators. The White House rubbishes the post, which Musk deletes. 7 July The US Department of Justice and FBI conclude in a report that Epstein did not have a so-called client list that could implicate high-profile associates, and that he did take his own life – contradicting long-held conspiracy theories. 17 July Trump asks Bondi to release "any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony" on Jeffrey Epstein, after what he calls a "ridiculous amount of publicity". Update: Date: 11:03 BST Title: What has Trump said? Content: This video can not be played Watch: Trump says Pam Bondi should release 'credible' Epstein files On Thursday, Donald Trump said he had asked his attorney general to "produce any and all pertinent grand jury testimony" relating to Jeffrey Epstein, "subject to court approval". It's unclear whether he was referring to the first set of cases concerning Epstein in the early 2000s or federal charges brought in 2019. The BBC has enquired with the White House. On Tuesday, Trump said Attorney General Pam Bondi should release 'whatever she thinks is credible' on sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He also questioned the public fascination with the case, describing it as 'sordid but boring'. The president is facing a rare backlash from supporters after seeking to draw a line under the disgraced financier's case. Over the weekend, Trump urged his supporters not to 'waste time and energy' on the controversy. However, allies of the president, including House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson, are calling for 'transparency'. Last week, a memo released by the Department of Justice (DoJ) and FBI concluded Epstein did not have a so-called client list that could implicate high-profile associates, and that he did take his own life - contrary to conspiracies. During his presidential campaign, Trump promised to declassify Epstein files, including the much-anticipated 'list'. Update: Date: 11:03 BST Title: Trump orders release of Epstein files as pressure grows Content: Overnight, the US president said he had ordered the US Department of Justice (DoJ) to release more court documents relating to the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, following pressure from some of his most loyal supporters. In response, Attorney General Pam Bondi said: "We are ready to move the court tomorrow to unseal the grand jury transcripts." It's unclear if they are referring to the first set of cases concerning Epstein from the early 2000s, or federal charges brought in 2019 - we've asked the White House. It also doesn't mean we will necessarily see anything released today. Last week, Bondi said the DoJ did not believe Epstein had a so-called client list that could implicate high-profile associates, and that he did take his own life - contrary to long-held conspiracies The US president's decision came shortly after he said he would sue the Wall Street Journal after it reported that Trump's name appeared on a "bawdy" 2003 birthday note to Epstein. It "contained several lines of typewritten text framed by the outline of a naked woman, which appears to be hand-drawn with a heavy marker," the publication reports. "These are not my words, not the way I talk. Also, I don't draw pictures," Trump said. Stay with us for further updates.
Daily Mail
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
DAN HODGES: This one line in Donald Trump's squalid birthday letter to Epstein could end him. No wonder he's claiming it's a scam
If you believe Donald Trump, the letter published today in the Wall Street Journal, purporting to be from him to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, is 'fake news'. According to the report, the message – prepared for Epstein's 50th birthday – 'featured several lines of typewritten text framed by what appeared to be a hand-drawn outline of a naked woman'. It is also said to include the cryptic comment: 'We have certain things in common Jeffrey.' Trump is threatening to sue. And his allies have already been despatched to angrily defend the President. 'Forgive my language but this story is complete and utter b******t,' Vice President JD Vance raged. 'Does anyone honestly believe this sounds like Donald Trump?'
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Senate works overnight in bid to pass Trump's DOGE cuts package as deadline looms
The Senate is working overnight into the early hours of Thursday morning as it weighs whether to claw back $9 billion in federal funds already congressionally approved for foreign aid and public broadcasting programs as a deadline to act on the White House priority looms. A 'vote-a-rama' on the administration's request – known as a 'rescission package' on Capitol Hill – began Wednesday afternoon after senators narrowly cleared two procedural hurdles late Tuesday to move closer to a final vote. If passed, the GOP effort would effectively codify a small portion of the Department of Government Efficiency's spending cuts. The Senate and House must pass the legislation by Friday, under an obscure presidential budget law used to circumvent the filibuster, or be forced to start over at a later date. It was not immediately clear when a final vote would take place, but it appeared poised Wednesday afternoon to pass with a potential tie-breaking vote from the vice president. The effort appeared to get a boost Tuesday when Senate Republicans signaled resolution on sticking points related to a key global health initiative and rural radio access. Despite that progress, three GOP senators joined Democrats in voting against the measure later that night, forcing party leadership to once again summon Vice President JD Vance to the Capitol to help advance it. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who along with top Senate appropriator Susan Collins and former Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell voted against the package Tuesday, defended her vote in the face of a threat from President Donald Trump to withhold support from any Republican who opposes the bill. The Alaska Republican said she took the legislative power of the purse 'personally,' adding, 'So I'm going to execute on it. The president can say what he's going to say, but that's fine. I'm going to do what I'm going to do.' Murkowski declined to say how she would vote after the marathon voting session on amendments. Unlike in other vote-a-ramas, the amendments offered to the rescissions package must be 'germane' to the bill, which limits the kinds of amendments lawmakers can offer. Still, the process allows Republicans to make changes to the legislation and provides Democrats an opportunity to force their Republican colleagues to vote on politically difficult issues. Sticking points Among the changes Republicans are expected to make to the bill is the removal of a controversial $400 million cut that senators believed would impact the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR. Gavi, an organization focused on providing vaccinations for children around the world, would also not face cuts in the package, Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters. 'We were reassured by the [White House Office of Management and Budget] director that would not be affected in this process,' he said. On another front, Sen. Mike Rounds announced he would back the measure after working out an agreement that would keep funds flowing to rural radio stations in his state of South Dakota, an issue he's been working for weeks to resolve. Rounds said of his negotiations on X: 'We wanted to make sure tribal broadcast services in South Dakota continued to operate which provide potentially lifesaving emergency alerts,' and said that he worked with the Trump administration to find 'money that could be reallocated to continue grants to tribal radio stations without interruption.' The OMB director projected confidence about the package, despite the expected changes to it. 'We're fine with adjustments. This is still a great package,' Russ Vought told reporters after a closed-door meeting with GOP senators Tuesday. The Senate, he added at the time, 'has to work its will and we've appreciated the work along the way to get to a place where they think they've got the votes.' Despite the OMB director's visit to the Senate GOP lunch, Collins and Murkowski, in explaining their votes, argued they had not received specific information from the administration on how the cuts could affect global health programs and public broadcasting. Murkowski also argued that the rescissions package from the White House sets a harmful precedent undermining Congressional authority. 'We're lawmakers. We should be legislating. What we're getting now is a direction from the White House and being told, 'This is the priority. We want you to execute on it. We'll be back with you with another round,'' she said ahead of the procedural votes on the package. 'I don't accept that. I'm going to be voting no.' Thune on Wednesday acknowledged concerns from the three Republican senators over how specific cuts would be carried out, saying they made a 'fair point.' 'The administration needs to be more specific. I think that's a fair point. But this is an area of the law historically where it isn't as specific. In most cases, when it comes to the State Department, grant a good deal of flexibility about how to allocate some of the resources that Congress appropriates. But I don't disagree. I think that more specificity would be a good thing,' the Republican leader said. Thune said despite the lack of details, he and most members of his conference felt like they had enough information to advance the bill that's expected to pass Wednesday or Thursday. House test on the horizon Since senators are planning to make changes to the bill, it is expected to have to return to the House for final passage – marking the second time this month the Senate GOP would be jamming the House on a Trump priority. House Speaker Mike Johnson earlier in the day encouraged the Senate to send the package back to his chamber 'as is' due to the House Republicans' narrow majority. The Louisiana Republican said he's urged the Senate 'as I always do, to please keep the product unamended, because we have a narrow margin and we got to pass it.' 'We're going to process whatever they send us, whenever they send us. I'm hopeful that it will be soon,' Johnson said Tuesday. This headline and story have been updated with additional developments. CNN's Lauren Fox, Alison Main, Manu Raju, Casey Riddle, Veronica Stracqaulursi, Maggie McCabe and Sarah Ferris contributed to this report.
