Speaker Mike Johnson Shuts Down the House Early to Stop Epstein Files Vote

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said at a Tuesday press conference that he is shutting down House business early, accusing Democrats and others of playing political games with the “Epstein Files.”

Johnson announced the House will head into its summer recess early to stop a vote on a resolution to force more documents related to Jeffrey Epstein to be released.

Lawmakers like Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) have called for more transparency on Epstein following a Department of Justice/FBI memo shutting down theories about a client list of abusers.

President Donald Trump has faced calls from vocal MAGA supporters to release more Epstein Files. He has called the idea of a client list a “hoax” despite Attorney General Pam Bondi making reference to one in February. Epstein died of apparent suicide in 2019 while being charged with sex trafficking.

“We’re not going to play political games with [Epstein],” Johnson told the press on Tuesday.

He accused Massie and others of “biting” Republicans.

“I’m not quite certain what his strategy is,” Johnson said.

Johnson called for people to give the administration “space” to determine what “credible” information can be released. Johnson also claimed some documents are being held back in the interest of protecting victims.

“There’s no daylight between the White House and the House. You have to allow the legislation to ripen and you also have to allow the administration the space to do what it is doing,” he said.

Johnson’s comments follow a recent appearance on The Benny Show with Benny Johnson where he called for “everything” to be released.

“We should put everything out there and let the people decide,” he said. “I agree with the sentiment that we need to — we need to put it out there.”

Johnson claimed on Tuesday that the administration is in the “process” of releasing everything they can.

“There’s no purpose for Congress to push an administration to do something that they’re already doing,” he said.

Trump announced on Saturday that he wants “all grand jury” testimony related to Epstein to be released, should such a release get court approval. He also once again lashed out at those claiming there is Epstein information being hidden from the public.

“With that being said, and even if the Court gave its full and unwavering approval, nothing will be good enough for the troublemakers and radical left lunatics making the request. It will always be more, more, more. MAGA!” he wrote on Truth Social.

Watch above via CSPAN.