House Speaker Backs Release of Epstein Files
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) is moving in line with former President Donald Trump regarding the anticipated House vote on the Epstein files.
After previously dismissing Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie’s request to expel Epstein, Trump shifted his stance and urged House Republicans to support the resolution on Tuesday.
“We have nothing to do with Epstein,” he stated. “As I mentioned to the media on Air Force One Friday night, House Republicans should vote to release the Epstein files because we have nothing to hide. It’s time to move on from the Democratic distractions designed by radical leftists, especially following the Democrats’ recent ‘shutdown’ victory,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.
Following Trump’s lead, other Republican leaders began to express support for Massie’s initiative. Johnson, who had previously voiced hesitations about the petition, later confirmed he would vote in favor of it.
However, there are some concerns. Johnson acknowledged that several “risks” exist regarding victim privacy, the handling of sensitive materials, and whistleblower protections.
“A few of us Republicans, especially on the Judiciary Committee, are really grappling with the decision to vote yes due to these issues,” Johnson noted. “There’s no absolute assurance that these concerns will be addressed in the Senate.”
Despite these reservations, Johnson expressed his belief that the House would manage to implement necessary changes and support the resolution.
“Having pushed for a vote, no one wants to be recorded as not being transparent,” Johnson remarked. “So, the only logical stance now is to let everyone vote their conscience and formally state, ‘Of course, we want maximum transparency.’”
Massey and Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California collaborated on the expulsion petition, gathering 218 signatures to prompt a House vote on Wednesday. All 214 Democrats signed, along with four Republicans: Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Lauren Boebert, Nancy Mace, and Massie.
While only a handful of Republicans backed the petition, it is widely anticipated to pass with significant Republican support following Trump’s endorsement during the meeting on Sunday. He also indicated on Monday that he would sign the resolution after it clears Congress.
“We have nothing to do with Epstein. The Democratic Party has nothing to do with this. All of his associates were Democrats,” Trump asserted from the Oval Office.
