House Speaker Mike Johnson has publicly called for the release of documents related to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, marking a rare political split between him and President Donald Trump.
Johnson’s statement comes amid mounting pressure from conservative groups demanding transparency over Epstein’s case, particularly regarding any records about his alleged clients. Epstein died by suicide in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges.
Last week, the Department of Justice (DoJ) concluded its investigation, affirming the suicide ruling and announcing that no further files, including any client list, would be released. This decision sparked backlash from the president’s right-wing base, who had long expected Trump to declassify all Epstein-related information.
Speaking on Tuesday to conservative podcaster Benny Johnson, Speaker Johnson said, “It’s a very delicate subject, but we should put everything out there and let the people decide.” He added that Attorney General Pam Bondi should “come forward and explain” the status of any documents, referencing her earlier remarks that she had Epstein’s client list “sitting on her desk.”
Despite Johnson’s urging, House Republicans blocked a Democratic proposal to force disclosure of Epstein files. Democrats remain committed to pushing the issue, calling for Judiciary Committee hearings with Bondi and other key officials, including FBI leadership.
President Trump attempted to shift attention away from the controversy. He defended Bondi’s actions and suggested that decisions about releasing documents would be left up to her discretion. “Whatever she thinks is credible, she should release,” Trump said before departing for Pittsburgh.
When questioned by reporters, Bondi declined to discuss the Epstein case, instead focusing on other department priorities such as drug enforcement and national security.
