Joe Rogan says ICE shooting distracting from Epstein Files "on purpose"
Podcast host Joe Rogan suggested that the recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) fatal shooting in Minneapolis and related unrest served as a potential distraction from anticipated disclosures related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.Speaking with Rogan, comedian Ehsan Ahmad said that if feels like updates on the Epstein files have been "drowned out" amid unrest in the Twin City and Rogan replied, "I think some of that's on purpose."Newsweek reached out to political analysts via email on Friday for comment. Why It Matters Rogan’s assertion intersected with growing political pressure over the pace of federal disclosures tied to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, an issue that drew bipartisan attention in Congress and scrutiny of the Department of Justice (DOJ)’s review process.The comment also came as national focus intensified on ICE operations in Minnesota, including a January shooting resulting in the death of Renee Good, prompting questions about federal authority, civil liberties and whether the White House could invoke the Insurrection Act.Before the shooting, the Trump administration zeroed in on alleged rampant fraud in Minnesota, specifically targeting the Somali community, and launching an immigration crackdown in the state in response to a series of fraud investigations involving government welfare programs.What To KnowThe Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed into law by President Donald Trump, required the DOJ to release the records by December 19, 2025. DOJ officials have said they released thousands of documents but that more than 2 million remained under review as of earlier this month.While speaking on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Ahmad said attention to Epstein had been “drowned out” by the fraud investigations and ICE."Did they release something recently," Rogan asked."No, they haven't released anything in a minute," Ahmad responded."But isn't there talk about some new releases that are happening soon?" Rogan later added."Have they? It feels like everything's been drowned out by everything else that's been going on with like Somali, the Somalians and the ICE shooting. It feels like that's completely drowned out. Anything about Epstein," Ahmad replied.Rogan said, "I think some of that's on purpose.""Oh, 100 percent," Ahmad agreed.What People Are Saying Trump, on Truth Social this week: "The Department of Homeland Security and ICE must start talking about the murderers and other criminals that they are capturing and taking out of the system. They are saving many innocent lives! There are thousands of vicious animals in Minnesota alone, which is why the crime stats are, Nationwide, the BEST EVER RECORDED! Show the Numbers, Names, and Faces of the violent criminals, and show them NOW. The people will start supporting the Patriots of ICE, instead of the highly paid troublemakers, anarchists, and agitators! MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN"Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, on X Thursday: "I’m glad the Vice President agrees the temperature needs to be turned down, but actions speak louder than words. We don’t need 3,000 ice agents in our streets — more than every local police department combined. Take the show of force off the streets and partner with the state on targeted enforcement of violent offenders instead of random, aggressive confrontation."Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, on X earlier this month: ".@AGPamBondi is making illegal redactions and withholding key documents that would implicate associates of Epstein. The documents that our federal law explicitly requires to be released include FD-302s, draft indictments, and internal communications."What Happens NextThe DOJ's potential timeline for completing its review and releasing more Epstein-related files is not immediately known.
