JD Vance defended Donald Trump's former friendship with Jeffrey Epstein amid continued controversy over the 79-year-old's connection to the vile convicted criminal. During a recent appearance at a Turning Point USA event, the vice president, 41, attempted to explain what the POTUS supposedly meant when he repeatedly called the Epstein Files a "hoax," sparking an uproar from both sides of the political spectrum. 'Donald Trump Hated Jeffrey Epstein' Vance claimed Donald Trump 'hated' Jeffrey Epstein.