Things are starting to get testy between Congress and the president. But this wasn’t on anyone’s radar.
As Mike Johnson broke ranks and defied President Trump in this unexpected way.
House Speaker Confronts Epstein Case Uproar
The saga of Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier and convicted child s*x predator, continues to roil Capitol Hill, with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) at the center of a heated push for accountability. As demands for clarity intensify, Johnson is trying to balance calls for justice with rising tensions within his party and beyond.
A Firm Stance on Justice
In a candid discussion on CBS News’ “The Takeout with Major Garrett,” Johnson pushed back against doubts surrounding the Epstein case. “It’s not a hoax. Of course not,” he stated, emphasizing a commitment to uncovering the truth.
“We want full transparency,” he told Garrett, adding that those involved in the “Epstein evils — let’s call it what it was —” must face swift consequences. He insisted, “We want the full weight of the law on their heads,” signaling a resolve to hold accountable anyone tied to the scandal.
Clashes Over Case Documents
The controversy gained steam after a July 6 memo from the Justice Department and FBI concluded that Epstein likely died by su*cide in his Manhattan jail cell. The report also dismissed claims of an “incriminating client list” involving influential figures who engaged in s*x with girls, some as young as 14.
This finding has sparked skepticism, prompting a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers to demand the release of the full Epstein case file. Several Republicans joined House Democrats in this effort, creating a rare moment of unity across party lines.
Tensions escalated when the House Rules Committee, which oversees which bills reach the floor, abruptly adjourned on Monday. Some Republicans aimed to block a Democratic push to force the disclosure of the files, leading to a standoff. In response, Johnson opted to send lawmakers home for the August recess a day early, effectively pausing House business as the Epstein debate raged on.
Lawmakers Demand Answers
With the House set to return on September 2, pressure is mounting for Johnson to allow a vote to release the remaining Epstein documents. Representatives Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) are spearheading a discharge petition, a legislative maneuver to bypass the Speaker’s authority and bring the issue to a vote. This move reflects growing frustration among lawmakers eager to address lingering questions about the case.
Johnson admitted he has not personally reviewed the Epstein evidence, noting, “I’ve never seen the Epstein evidence; it wasn’t in my lane, but I had the same concerning questions that a lot of people do.” His comments highlight the widespread unease fueling the push for transparency.
Trump and Maxwell in the Spotlight
President Donald Trump has added fuel to the fire, criticizing “past” supporters as “weaklings” for questioning the narrative. While he once called the case a “hoax,” Trump has recently endorsed releasing grand jury testimony related to Epstein and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, signaling a possible shift in his stance.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche recently met with Maxwell along with her legal team. The meeting took place in Tallahassee, Florida, and it revolved around discussing the case. Meanwhile, the GOP-led House Oversight Committee has issued a subpoena for Maxwell to testify, with a tentative date of August 11. These developments keep the Epstein case firmly in the public eye.
A Pursuit for Truth
The Epstein controversy has laid bare deep divisions and a shared hunger for answers. As lawmakers and the public await further revelations, the drive to uncover the full extent of Epstein’s actions—and those who may have enabled them—shows no signs of fading.
Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.
