US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson has called on the justice department to publicly release all files related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, highlighting a clear rift with former President Donald Trump, who has suggested setting the issue aside. In a recent interview, Johnson stated, "We should put everything out there and let the people decide."
This appeal surfaced as Trump reiterated his support for Attorney General Pam Bondi, declaring she should release "whatever she thinks is credible" concerning Epstein. Over the weekend, Trump urged his supporters to avoid dwelling on the Epstein controversy, insisting it was time to move forward. However, Bondi has faced criticism for her assertion that there was no evidence of a "client list" or blackmailing involved with Epstein.
Epstein’s death in 2019, ruled a suicide while in custody, raised suspicions among many within Trump's Make America Great Again movement, who believe there might be a cover-up regarding powerful figures involved. In response to a question from conservative commentator Benny Johnson, Speaker Johnson emphasized his belief in "transparency" on the topic. He expressed trust in the president and his team while suggesting that Bondi needed to provide clear answers to the public.
Trump has defended Bondi’s management of the Epstein case, noting her assessed credibility in releasing information. Despite the pressure, he conveyed frustration regarding his supporters' ongoing preoccupation with the Epstein issue, urging them to pivot their focus.
Various congressional members, including Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and Colorado Representative Lauren Boebert, are rallying for transparency, echoing calls for further investigations into Epstein's dealings. Meanwhile, some Republican figures, including Senator John Kennedy, are aligning with public sentiment that demands greater accountability regarding the identities of Epstein's associates and the reasons behind their lack of prosecution.
Bondi, in response to inquiries on the matter during a press conference, declined to comment further, remarking that the Justice Department's prior memo encapsulated their position on releasing additional Epstein files.
Democrats in the House attempted to push for a vote to release Epstein's files but were met with resistance from Republicans, who highlighted that the Biden administration also had access to the files without making them public. The ongoing debate within the party reveals a tension between transparency and party loyalty as details surrounding Epstein’s network remain under scrutiny.
