House Speaker Mike Johnson defers action on Epstein probe, sparking GOP discontent
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson is facing increasing tension within the Republican Party after deciding not to advance legislative efforts aimed at compelling the release of records related to Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking case. Instead, Johnson adjourned the House early for its scheduled August recess, prompting frustration among members seeking answers.
Mike Johnson halts Epstein records push, urging patience as GOP lawmakers demand action amid mounting pressure and public outcry.
The New York Times
Calls for transparency have surged in recent weeks, with both Republican and Democratic lawmakers pushing for congressional action to obtain unreleased Epstein documents. Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, stated Tuesday that the Biden administration should be granted time to act independently on the matter, declining to support immediate legislative intervention.
“We have no reason to push an administration that’s already working on this,” Johnson explained during his final press conference before the month-long congressional break.
The speaker maintained that he supports the public release of credible Epstein-related documents but emphasized caution. His approach reflects the stance of former President Donald Trump, who has also advocated for the selective disclosure of materials connected to the case.
The decision has ignited unrest among GOP lawmakers, many of whom are responding to mounting demands from their constituents and conservative media influencers. A growing segment of House Republicans is backing a bipartisan initiative that would pressure the Justice Department to disclose further details.
A Republican-led House Oversight subcommittee has already begun advancing a resolution to subpoena Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate, for a formal deposition. The move signals escalating efforts within the party to uncover the extent of Epstein’s network and the individuals potentially involved.
Public frustration remains high over the lack of transparency surrounding Epstein’s 2019 death in a Manhattan jail while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Voters and activists continue to press Congress to pursue full accountability for the widespread abuse of minors carried out over more than a decade.
“The public’s not going to let this die,” said Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina, echoing the sentiment of many within his party. “And rightfully so.”
Internal dysfunction within the House reached a boiling point Monday evening when Republicans on the House Rules Committee unexpectedly recessed, stalling ongoing legislative business. The impasse came after Democrats introduced measures that would have forced a vote on releasing Epstein-related files, effectively paralyzing the committee.
Johnson had hinted last week that GOP leadership might back a symbolic resolution urging the Justice Department to provide additional documents, though the measure carried no legal authority. Trump has also reportedly asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to pursue the release of sealed grand jury testimony, but such efforts face significant legal hurdles.
Despite his decision to delay formal congressional action, Johnson reiterated his personal commitment to revealing the full scope of Epstein’s crimes—within certain boundaries.
“We have a moral responsibility to expose Epstein’s evil and those who enabled it,” Johnson said. “But we also have a duty to protect the innocent, and navigating that line takes care.”
Federal investigators have concluded that Epstein exploited underage girls for years, aided by Maxwell, who prosecutors describe as a central figure in the trafficking operation.
