Vance's "one isn't bad" jab at Epstein files protester draws backlash

Vice President JD Vance drew criticism after implying that a protester who demanded the release of the Epstein files at his North Carolina rally was an illegal immigrant.

Ally Daily Editorial DeskOctober 20, 2026, 02:04 PMUpdated: October 20, 2026, 02:37 PM

Vance's "one isn't bad" jab at Epstein files protester draws backlash

Vice President JD Vance faced backlash after mocking a protester who interrupted his rally in Hendersonville, North Carolina, on Oct. 19. The man, seated right behind the stage, stood up and shouted for the release of the Epstein files while Vance was speaking at the midterm event for Republican congressional candidate Jennifer Balkcom.

The protester was escorted out by security as the crowd chanted "USA." Vance then told the audience: "Ladies and gentlemen, I have to amend something I said earlier. I said that we have had zero illegal border crossings in the United States of America. But one isn't bad, right?" The line, which drew laughs, suggested the protester had crossed the border illegally.

Newsom's office: "Insulting"

California Gov. Gavin Newsom's press office responded: "It's insulting to suggest only 'illegal immigrants' care about justice for victims and accountability for perpetrators. Most American citizens do too!" Other critics said Vance had labeled the man an immigrant based on how he looked.

Jeffrey Epstein died in a jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. Calls for the full release of the investigative files on him remain a heated issue ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections.