Washington D.C. – Vice President JD Vance is facing renewed public scrutiny, particularly from political action committee The Lincoln Project, which questioned his perceived silence on the Jeffrey Epstein files. The pointed inquiry, made via a tweet stating, "@JDVance why so quiet?", comes as Vance also navigates the political fallout from his recent tie-breaking vote on the contentious "One Big Beautiful Bill," which includes significant cuts to Medicaid.
The Lincoln Project's tweet highlights a perceived shift in Vance's stance regarding the Epstein investigation. Prior to assuming the Vice Presidency, Vance was a vocal advocate for the release of information related to Jeffrey Epstein, including a purported "client list." He previously stated, "If you're a journalist and you're not asking questions about this case you should be ashamed of yourself." However, the current administration, which Vance serves, has indicated that no such client list exists and that Epstein died by suicide, leading to accusations of hypocrisy from critics and some former supporters.
Vance's silence on the Epstein files contrasts sharply with his active role in the passage of the "One Big Beautiful Bill." On July 1, 2025, Vice President Vance cast the decisive tie-breaking vote in the Senate, enabling the passage of the sweeping legislation. This bill, a cornerstone of President Trump's domestic agenda, is projected by the Congressional Budget Office to cut nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid over the next decade, potentially leaving millions of Americans without health coverage.
The "One Big Beautiful Bill" has drawn widespread criticism from Democrats and healthcare advocates who warn of its severe impact on vulnerable populations and rural hospitals. The legislation introduces new work requirements for many adult Medicaid recipients and reduces federal funding to states for the program. Despite a $50 billion fund allocated to cushion the blow for rural hospitals, critics argue it is insufficient to offset the extensive cuts.
The confluence of these two issues — Vance's apparent silence on a matter he once championed and his pivotal role in passing legislation with significant social impact — underscores the political pressures facing the Vice President. The Lincoln Project's public challenge adds to the growing debate surrounding Vance's policy positions and his evolving political persona.