• Mike Pence calls for the release of Jeffrey Epstein investigation files, emphasizing transparency.
• Pence stresses that victim identities should be protected in the disclosures.
• Trump dismisses the call for transparency, labeling the investigation as politically motivated.

Former Vice President Mike Pence has joined other Republicans in urging the Trump administration to release all files concerning the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. He stated, "I think the time has come for the administration to release all of the files regarding Jeffrey Epstein's investigation and prosecution," advocating for transparency while highlighting the importance of protecting victim names from public disclosure, according to CBS News, HuffPost, and ABC News.

Pence argued that the time for full disclosure has arrived, stating, "I just think that we ought to get the facts to the American people," reinforcing his longstanding belief in transparency. He emphasized that anyone associated with Epstein should be held to public scrutiny, regardless of whether the facts would justify criminal charges, according to CBS News, HuffPost, and ABC News.

In contrast, President Donald Trump dismissed calls within his party for increased transparency regarding the Epstein files. He characterized the scrutiny as a political maneuver and claimed it to be a "big hoax" manufactured by the Democrats, with accusations that some Republicans are aiding them by raising the issue, according to CBS News and HuffPost.

Pence challenged Trump's assertions, noting that Epstein's prosecution has evolved through multiple administrations, beginning with George W. Bush and continuing under Barack Obama. He argued there is no reason, once victim names are protected, that the current administration should not release all related files, according to CBS News, HuffPost, and ABC News.

The recent statements from the Justice Department and FBI underscored their findings, which concluded that Epstein did not maintain a client list or conspire with associates to exploit women, information that may further guide discussion on the release of the files, according to CBS News, HuffPost, and ABC News.