Johnson Threatens Action Over Epstein Files
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) stated on Wednesday that if the Trump administration does not release documents concerning Jeffrey Epstein, the House will take “appropriate action” when it reconvenes in the fall.
His remarks came shortly before the House was set to begin a week-long break in August, starting a day earlier than originally planned due to stagnation over the Epstein matter.
On that same day, Johnson expressed a desire to allow time for the release of these documents before the House votes on related issues. He mentioned last week that President Trump instructed Attorney General Pam Bondy to move forward with releasing the significant judge’s transcript from the Epstein case, noting that the president could make “reliable” information public.
“This information was supposed to come out a long time ago,” Johnson told reporters. “I have been an advocate for this, but we all have it. The process is still ongoing, and we need to protect it and ensure it’s happening.”
He emphasized that the Department of Justice (DOJ) requires time to review and redact names of innocent victims and others.
“That’s what the DOJ is currently doing,” Johnson added. “I believe they are being thorough. And it’s our job in Congress to give them the space to do this. If that doesn’t occur, we will take action.”
Both Democrats and some Republicans have been urging a vote on a law that would mandate the release of the Epstein files for the past two weeks. Representatives Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) have proposed a solution and pledged to initiate a discharge petition to bring it to the floor.
Due to strict rules surrounding discharge petitions, the law cannot be voted on until September, meaning it will remain unresolved until lawmakers return from their break.
Last week, House Democrats attempted to push for a vote on this issue but were blocked by Republican members of the Rules Committee. Subsequently, Republicans moved forward with a non-binding resolution calling for partial information release, yet Johnson opted not to bring it to the floor.
Democrats had planned another attempt to force a vote this week, but Republicans took a recess without establishing procedural rules, preventing further consideration of the law.
In the meantime, the administration is striving to address rising tensions. This week, a top DOJ official reached out to Ghislaine Maxwell’s lawyers, seeking to arrange a meeting amid lawmakers’ push to speak with her.
Some legislators, including Johnson, are questioning whether Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence, can be a credible witness. Former federal prosecutor and current Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) pointed out that the transcripts in question pertain only to Epstein and Maxwell, lacking videos, photos, recordings, witness interviews, or any evidence implicating Trump or others.
Despite Johnson’s earlier statements about allowing the DOJ time to review information, he reiterated that Congress would take action if the department did not comply.
“The president has directed the DOJ to pursue the release of information, and that is currently in progress,” Johnson stated. “The request for the materials from the court is being handled as we speak, which is an important step.”
“Once the process is complete, we will evaluate what measures Congress needs to take,” he added. “I am confident the administration is thoroughly reviewing all materials to release credible information while protecting victims.”
