MSNBC host Lawrence O’Donnell has criticized Vice President JD Vance for his muted response to recent revelations from the Jeffrey Epstein document release, particularly concerning the implications for his relationship with former President Donald Trump. On his program, The Last Word, O’Donnell highlighted Vance’s lack of commentary after emails from Epstein’s files described Trump as “evil beyond belief” and “mad.”
O’Donnell drew parallels between Vance’s silence and that of former Vice President Gerald Ford during the aftermath of the Watergate scandal, stating, “JD Vance is doing exactly what Gerald Ford did while the Nixon presidency was sinking… When things were the darkest for President Richard Nixon, Vice President Gerald Ford said nothing.” He equated Vance’s silence regarding Trump’s connection to Epstein to Ford’s failure to address the challenges faced by Nixon.
Vance took to X, claiming he had participated in media interviews that day, including one with Sean Hannity on Fox News, during which he did not address Epstein at all. O’Donnell pointed out that Hannity also failed to mention Epstein while interviewing Attorney General Pam Bondi, emphasizing Vance’s ongoing avoidance of a critical issue that could impact his boss.
O’Donnell remarked on the irony that Vance’s social media engagement inadvertently directed his followers’ attention to O’Donnell’s prior statements about Trump and Epstein, potentially shedding light on the topic for those who might not have been aware. “JD Vance tonight decided to push out there into the heart of the Trump/Vance social media world, a sealed-off echo chamber where my voice is usually not heard,” O’Donnell observed, subtly thanking the vice president for amplifying his message.
Furthermore, O’Donnell criticized Trump for his silence amid the Epstein drama, noting that in the past 24 hours, Epstein had spoken more about Trump than Trump had about Epstein himself. He pointed out the peculiar situation where Trump, known for his verbal impulsivity, remained silent during a significant moment. “How does that happen? Is he frozen in fear?” O’Donnell asked, contemplating the implications of Trump’s quietness.
As both Vance and Trump face scrutiny regarding their connections to Epstein, the unfolding situation serves as a reminder of the intricate web of political allegiances and challenges that can arise from past associations. O’Donnell’s remarks highlight the potential for public discourse to shift based on revelations and the reactions—or lack thereof—of those in power.