House Speaker Mike Johnson pushed back against criticism that Republicans are blocking the release of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents, saying Democrats are using the issue for political theater.
“No one in Congress is blocking the Epstein documents,” Johnson told reporters Wednesday, blaming Democrats for what he called a "mockery" of the Rules Committee process.
House Republicans have been crystal clear: there must be maximum transparency in the Epstein matter. Here is how and why. pic.twitter.com/1UCe4MeJ7L
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) July 23, 2025
He defended sending the House into August recess early, explaining that the Trump administration is already working to unseal relevant grand jury materials. Johnson added that Congress will act after the recess if needed.
A bipartisan bill from Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) would compel the release of all unclassified Epstein files within 30 days. Johnson called the bill “problematic,” despite saying Republicans support “maximum transparency.”
He also cast doubt on potential testimony from Ghislaine Maxwell, questioning her credibility.
Democrats plan to push procedural votes to bring the Massie-Khanna bill forward.
