Speaker Johnson Calls for Transparency on Epstein Files

Speaker Johnson is urging the Justice Department to publicly release all files related to the financier Jeffrey Epstein. This request marks a notable divergence from former President Trump’s recent remarks, where he described the Epstein files as "pretty boring stuff" during a conversation aimed at appeasing his MAGA supporters.

Call for Action

In a recent interview with podcaster Benny Johnson, Speaker Johnson directly appealed to Attorney General Pam Bondi to clarify previous comments made on Fox News in February. During that appearance, Bondi mentioned having a client list belonging to Epstein "on her desk right now to review."

"I think she was talking about documents. She needs to come forward and explain that to everybody," remarked Johnson.

Epstein and Maxwell: A Need for Clarity

When asked whether Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s long-time associate currently incarcerated, should testify before Congress, Speaker Johnson enthusiastically supported the idea. “I’m for transparency. We need to put it out there,” he stated, emphasizing that although he lacks insider knowledge about the case, the public deserves clarity.

Recent Developments

Last week, the Justice Department and the FBI released a brief memo stating that they found no evidence that Epstein did not commit suicide or that he had a "client list" for blackmail. This announcement came on the heels of promises for major revelations from the Trump administration, alarming many of Johnson’s constituents.

• Pam Bondi’s Clarification: She later clarified her comments to indicate she was referring to a file rather than a client list.

Johnson expressed concern about the confusion stemming from Bondi’s statements, insisting that the public deserves a full accounting.

Why Transparency Matters

Speaker Johnson expressed discontent with the current state of information regarding Epstein and his inner circle. He remarked:

"The White House and the White House team are privy to facts that I don’t know, but I agree we need to put it out there."

This sentiment has sparked conversations among both Republicans and Democrats about the importance of transparency in the Epstein case.

The Response from Lawmakers

Tennessee Representative Tim Burchett amplified Johnson’s sentiments by labeling Epstein’s alleged connections as the "1,000-pound gorilla in the room." He called for public accountability for those involved, stating:

"Find them guilty and hang them publicly. That’s not over the top. I’m ready. I’m over it. It disgusts me."

Burchett has also reached out to House Committee Chairman James Comer, asking for Maxwell to testify in a public hearing.

Conclusion: A Call for Transparency

Speaker Johnson’s call for the Justice Department to release all files related to Jeffrey Epstein is a significant development in the ongoing discourse surrounding this controversial figure. The need for transparency and full disclosure is paramount as the public seeks answers about Epstein’s operations and his network. With leading lawmakers voicing their opinions and calling for accountability, the pressure on government officials to act is mounting.

For those wanting to stay updated on legal developments regarding Epstein, you can find more information at the Justice Department and FBI websites.