Johnson Delays House Vote on Epstein Files Until September/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Speaker Mike Johnson has ruled out a House vote on releasing Jeffrey Epstein records before the August recess. Despite pressure from pro-Trump lawmakers, the Republican leadership is standing with President Trump’s cautious approach. A bipartisan discharge petition effort is now targeting a floor vote after Labor Day.
Epstein File Delay + Quick Looks
- Speaker Johnson blocks Epstein vote until after September recess
- Bipartisan bill, led by Reps. Massie and Khanna, gains momentum
- 10 GOP members support the measure, enough if all Democrats sign on
- Trump administration claims files release is “in process”
- Proposed law would release all unclassified Epstein documents within 30 days
- Critics accuse Trump of hiding information, demand full transparency
- DOJ confirms no Epstein client list exists, counters conspiracy theories
Deep Look: Speaker Johnson Delays Vote on Epstein Records Amid Trump Tensions
With just days left before Congress leaves for a five-week recess, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced Monday that the House will not vote on any resolution related to the Jeffrey Epstein files, shelving a growing demand from both Democratic lawmakers and Trump-aligned Republicans.
Johnson’s decision comes despite the increasing pressure from within his own party, especially from hardline MAGA supporters who want to demonstrate their support for full transparency regarding the Epstein scandal — an issue that continues to fuel distrust among Trump’s base.
In an interview with CNN, Johnson said the Trump administration should be given “space” to process the release of materials. “We agree with the president,” Johnson said. “There is no daylight between House Republicans and the president on maximum transparency.”
GOP Pushback: Discharge Petition Could Force Vote
Despite Johnson’s opposition, a bipartisan coalition led by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) has launched a procedural move known as a discharge petition to bypass leadership and force a House vote.
The petition already has the support of 10 House Republicans and is expected to receive backing from all 212 House Democrats, according to Khanna. If they reach 218 signatures, the measure would compel a floor vote — but not until after Labor Day due to required procedural delays.
The proposed legislation would direct the Trump administration to release within 30 days:
- All unclassified records, documents, and communications related to Epstein
- A list of all government officials and politically exposed persons named in those materials
This goes significantly further than a non-binding resolution already passed through the House Rules Committee, which Johnson brokered as part of a deal on foreign aid spending cuts last week.
Trump’s Uneasy Base: “Transparency Is What Voters Want”
The Epstein saga has become a wedge issue between Trump’s inner circle and grassroots conservatives. While Trump claims he supports releasing credible materials, critics argue that the administration is dragging its feet.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) — a staunch Trump ally — said her constituents are demanding action.
“They don’t want things covered up, especially when it comes to the most well-known convicted pedophile in modern history,” she told CNN.
Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), a moderate Republican retiring this year, agreed. “I think sunlight is a good medicine. Let’s put light on it.”
The demand for Epstein transparency has surged in GOP circles as conspiracy theories persist, especially about Trump’s past social ties with Epstein. A controversial 1997 photo of Trump and Epstein together at Mar-a-Lago resurfaced in media coverage, further stoking speculation.
DOJ: No Client List, No Murder
To further complicate matters, Attorney General Pam Bondi, appointed by Trump, has been tasked with reviewing the materials. She previously suggested a “client list” might exist but later the Department of Justice clarified there is no such list and no evidence that Epstein was murdered in custody — contradicting theories promoted by Trump allies.
Despite that, the base remains energized. Online forums and conservative influencers continue to press lawmakers, prompting a flood of constituent calls demanding action on Epstein.
Johnson Walks the Tightrope
For Speaker Johnson, the delay serves multiple purposes: it aligns him with Trump’s public stance on transparency, avoids a direct challenge to the administration, and helps manage deep internal divisions within the Republican caucus.
Johnson said further action would depend on developments from the Justice Department. “If further congressional action is necessary or appropriate, we’ll look at that,” he said.
Still, political watchers note the risks. By appearing to stall, Johnson may be fueling suspicions among Trump’s base rather than diffusing them.
What’s Next?
Unless leadership relents, the discharge petition is the only active path toward forcing a full vote. If successful after the August recess, the House could vote on whether to mandate the full release of Epstein-related records by early September.
Meanwhile, Trump continues to lash out at critics and the media. On Truth Social, he wrote:
“Even if the Court gave its full and unwavering approval, nothing will be good enough for the troublemakers and radical left lunatics… It will always be more, more, more. MAGA!”
That posture may not be enough to satisfy lawmakers like Massie, who believe their base won’t rest until full Epstein transparency is delivered.
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