Epstein File Release Delayed as House Adjourns Early \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ House Speaker Mike Johnson is resisting pressure to act on Jeffrey Epstein-related investigations, instead dismissing Congress for August recess. Despite bipartisan calls, Johnson prefers the White House take the lead on releasing Epstein documents. The move has sparked infighting among Republicans and intensified public calls for transparency.
Quick Looks
- Speaker Mike Johnson refuses to push White House on Epstein documents
- House adjourns early for August recess, bypassing Epstein-related votes
- Ghislaine Maxwell may be subpoenaed for deposition while in prison
- Trump supporters, GOP members demand document release
- House Oversight moves ahead despite Johnson’s inaction
- DOJ also interested in interviewing Maxwell
- Johnson loses grip on House Rules Committee amid internal rebellion
- Senate Majority Leader Thune signals openness to committee action
- Rep. Massie considers forcing floor vote during break
- Dems and GOP fracture over government transparency and Epstein legacy
Deep Look
In a contentious week on Capitol Hill, House Speaker Mike Johnson opted to adjourn Congress early for its traditional August 2025 recess, despite a growing uproar among Republican lawmakers and conservative activists demanding action on the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
At his Tuesday press briefing, Johnson said he would allow President Trump’s administration time to act on releasing Epstein-related documents, resisting the mounting bipartisan calls to legislate immediate transparency. “There’s no reason to pressure the White House when they’re already reviewing it,” Johnson stated.
The speaker’s remarks, however, did little to ease intraparty tensions. Fueled by Trump-aligned Republicans, conservative influencers, and grassroots outrage, the pressure is intensifying. Many within the party view the unsealed Epstein files as a litmus test for GOP integrity.
Ghislaine Maxwell in Congressional Crosshairs
Simultaneously, the House Oversight Committee, led by Rep. James Comer (R-KY), has initiated the process to subpoena Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former partner. Her deposition would likely occur at the federal prison where she’s serving a lengthy sentence for aiding Epstein’s abuse of minors.
The Justice Department is also reportedly seeking to question Maxwell. Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA), Oversight’s ranking Democrat, supported the subpoena but cautioned that Maxwell’s history of deceit necessitates skepticism: “She’s caused immense harm and cannot be fully trusted.”
Despite bipartisan interest, Johnson and Trump made no mention of Epstein during Tuesday night’s reception at the White House. Trump instead lauded Johnson, calling him “a historic Speaker.”
GOP in Disarray as Legislative Agenda Collapses
Behind the scenes, Johnson’s control of the House Rules Committee deteriorated, with GOP members halting proceedings Monday night to avoid Democratic motions forcing votes on Epstein transparency. As a result, planned bills on immigration, environmental deregulation, and infrastructure were shelved.
Last week, Johnson floated a nonbinding resolution urging DOJ to release more documents, while Trump asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to pursue the release of grand jury testimony—an unlikely outcome under federal law.
Johnson defended his approach as principled: “We have a moral duty to reveal the evil Epstein enabled. But we must protect innocent people entangled in the investigation.”
Fallout Looms Beyond Recess
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) isn’t backing down. He’s building support to file a discharge petition, a procedural move that could force a floor vote on Epstein documents—circumventing Johnson’s authority.
“This won’t fade over five weeks,” Massie said. “It’s a defining issue heading into the 2026 midterms.”
Democrats, led by Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), have seized the opportunity to amplify GOP disunity and push for full file transparency. “It’s about accountability,” Khanna said. “Will you shield the powerful or protect victims?”
With Epstein’s crimes—committed against underage girls for over a decade—continuing to shock the public conscience, the political stakes have escalated. Maxwell’s conviction in 2021 remains central to the case.
Massie summed up the moment starkly: “This is a watershed test for our party—and for Speaker Johnson.”
Epstein File Release
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