"This is a very sensitive issue, but we should make everything public and let the people decide for themselves," US House Speaker Mike Johnson said in an interview published on 15/7. He called on Attorney General Pam Bondi to release the files from the investigations into Epstein.
Johnson also referred to Bondi’s previous statement that "Epstein’s client list is sitting on my desk waiting to be reviewed". After the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released their investigation results last week, this statement was widely quoted in the US media and on social media to criticize Bondi’s perceived inconsistency.
"She needs to clarify that to the public. We need the Department of Justice to focus on bigger priorities. Let's get this over with so they can deal with violent crime, public safety, election transparency, and the issues that President Donald Trump cares about," Johnson said.
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US House Speaker Mike Johnson speaks in Washington on 20/5. Photo: Reuters |
US House Speaker Mike Johnson speaks in Washington on 20/5. Photo: Reuters
In a memo last week, the Department of Justice and the FBI stated that "no client list exists". They also dismissed suspicions that Epstein was murdered in prison, reaffirming that he committed suicide in his New York jail cell.
US officials declined to disclose further information, stating that the case files would remain sealed to protect the victims and avoid revealing any misconduct by others connected to Epstein. This decision angered conservative voters, who have long seen the Epstein case as representative of the crimes of the wealthy and powerful.
"We need transparency. I sympathize with the people's wishes. The White House has information that I don't. I understand this isn't my area of responsibility and I'm not involved, but I agree that everything should be made public," Johnson said when asked about the possibility of summoning Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's former girlfriend, to testify before the House.
This week, House Democrats proposed adding a provision mandating the release of Epstein's files to a US digital currency bill, but Republican lawmakers voted against it.
Democratic members of the House Judiciary Committee also requested that Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, a close ally of Trump, hold a hearing with Bondi, her deputies, and FBI leaders to clarify the Epstein case.
President Trump has repeatedly urged Republican voters not to "waste time" on the Epstein case. On 15/7, he declared that the documents related to Epstein were "all fabricated by the Democrats" and continued to support Bondi. However, he left open the possibility of the Department of Justice releasing more documents about Epstein.
"Bondi handled it very well. The rest is up to her. If she finds any credible documents, she should release them," he said.
Thanh Danh (Theo Hill, Guardian)
