House speaker demands Epstein files release
3 Min Read
Speaker Mike Johnson urges the DOJ to release Jeffrey Epstein documents, calling for transparency amid public interest in the case.
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Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, arrives for a news conference at the Republican National Committee headquarters in Washington, Tuesday, July 15, 2025 (AP)
US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson has urged the Justice Department to release documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender, emphasizing the importance of transparency and public access to the files.
"It's a very delicate subject, but we should put everything out there and let the people decide it. I mean, the White House and the White House team are privy to facts that I don't know. This isn't my lane. I haven't been involved, but I agree with the sentiment that we need to we need to put it out there," the House Speaker said in an interview with Benny Johnson.
This week, the FBI and the Department of Justice (DOJ) released a memo stating that no credible evidence had been found to support claims that the disgraced financier blackmailed prominent figures or maintained an incriminating "client list."
During a February interview with Fox News, Bondi stated that the list was on her desk pending review, but in early July, she clarified that she had been referring to general case documents rather than the widely speculated "client list."
"We need the DOJ focusing on the major priorities. So, let's get this thing resolved so that they can deal with violent crime, and public safety, and election integrity, and going after Act Blue, and the things that the president is most concerned about," Johnson stated.
The Republican lawmaker emphasized that Bondi should provide further clarification regarding her previous remarks about whether Epstein’s alleged "client list" actually exists
Epstein files create rift in MAGA base
The Epstein files have been a rather divisive topic among the MAGA crowd, after the Trump administration abruptly announced that there is no "client list", despite their promises that they would release the list.
According to a Friday report by Semafor, which cited sources with knowledge of the situation, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino is reportedly considering stepping down from his position due to frustrations over US Attorney General Pam Bondi’s management of the Jeffrey Epstein case.
A recent YouGov poll of 7,237 American adults found that 40% believe President Donald Trump was connected to Jeffrey Epstein's alleged crimes, while 27% do not believe he was involved and 33% remain unsure, with the survey also indicating that most respondents doubt justice will ultimately be served in the case.
The poll reveals significant partisan splits, as 69% of Democrats think Trump was connected to Epstein's crimes, while only 41% of independents and a mere 7% of Republicans agree. Gender gaps also emerge, with 41% of women believing Trump was involved, slightly higher than the 39% of men who hold that view. On the other hand, 31% of men say Trump was not involved, compared to 23% of women, and women are more likely than men to say they're unsure.
