In a rare split from Donald Trump, US House Speaker Mike Johnson demands the release of Jeffrey Epstein files, intensifying scrutiny on the Justice Department and AG Pam Bondi.
In a surprising rift with US President Donald Trump, US House Speaker Mike Johnson has publicly called on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release documents linked to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The move has stirred further tensions within the Republican ranks, particularly among Trump’s right-wing base.
Mike Johnson, a long-time Trump ally and a key Republican figure in Congress, voiced his support for making the Epstein files public, despite the Justice Department’s recent conclusion that Epstein’s 2019 prison death was suicide and that no client list exists to be disclosed.
The DOJ has also confirmed that no further information regarding the Epstein case will be released. That announcement, however, hasn’t sat well with many conservatives, who accuse both Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi of failing to follow through on previous promises of transparency.
In a newly released interview with right-wing podcaster Benny Johnson, the House Speaker stated: “It’s a very delicate subject, but we should put everything out there and let the people decide it. I agree with the sentiment that we need to put it out there.”
Johnson further referenced Bondi’s controversial claim during a Fox News appearance, where she said she had Epstein’s client list “sitting on my desk right now to review.”
“She needs to come forward and explain that to everybody. We need the DOJ focusing on major priorities. So let’s get this thing resolved,” Johnson added.
Just hours before Johnson’s comments went public, House Republicans blocked a Democratic proposal that would have compelled the release of Epstein-related files. Still, Democrats remain persistent.
Members of the House Judiciary Committee are urging their Republican chairman, Representative Jim Jordan—another Trump ally—to hold hearings. They want Bondi, her deputy, and senior FBI officials to testify under oath about what they know concerning Epstein’s dealings.
Facing growing criticism from his own MAGA base, Trump took to Truth Social to divert attention away from the Epstein issue, saying: “One year ago our Country was DEAD, now it’s the ‘HOTTEST’ Country anywhere in the World.
Let’s keep it that way, and not waste Time and Energy on Jeffrey Epstein, somebody that nobody cares about.”
Despite this, the mounting pressure suggests the Epstein case could continue to haunt Trump’s campaign trail, especially with figures like Johnson now openly calling for full disclosure.
