Mike Pence ups his one-man war against Trump and adds Jeffrey Epstein to the recipe

Mike Pence is still fighting his solo battle against Trump and has now brought Jeffrey Epstein into the mix. Former Vice President Mike Pence is stepping up his public criticism of the Trump administration, this time demanding that all documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case be fully released.

This position goes directly against President Trump’s attempts to downplay the scandal as a hoax and to call anyone who takes it seriously “stupid” or “naive.” During an interview with CBS News reporter Major Garrett, Pence insisted that “the time has come for the administration to release all of the files regarding Jeffrey Epstein’s investigation and prosecution.”

While stressing that victims’ names should be kept private, Pence said, “I think that anyone who was involved or connected to this horrible man should face public scrutiny… I just believe the American people deserve to know the truth.” He also rejected the idea that politics is driving the issue, pointing out that Epstein’s case started under the Bush administration and carried on through Obama’s presidency.

Pence is confirming the Epstein list exists, which is bad for Trump

This is just the latest example of Pence breaking ranks. He has already spoken out against Trump’s trade policies and foreign relations decisions, especially when Trump has criticized the U.S. while abroad, according to MSNBC. Pence has also called out Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and raised objections to the administration’s handling of Ukraine.

The fact that Pence, Trump’s own former vice president, keeps pushing back shows a rare split within the Republican Party, where Trump usually has total control. Pence, who was in danger during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot and later refused to support his party’s ticket, has repeatedly warned Republicans against “protectionist tariffs” and said he has “real concerns about where the Republican Party is headed today.”

Pence will continue to fight back against Trump, it seems. However, it is good that more Republicans are pointing out issues that come up in this administration.