House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) indicated in a recent interview that he supports full transparency regarding Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking network, including potentially hearing testimony from convicted accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell before Congress. His remarks mark a notable shift in tone amid growing public frustration over the federal government’s handling of the case and its broader implications.
Speaking with conservative commentator Benny Johnson, the Speaker responded to questions about whether he would support efforts by Republican Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene or Anna Paulina Luna to subpoena the full Epstein files or call Maxwell to testify. “Yeah, I haven’t talked to Marjorie or Anna about that … but I’m for transparency,” Johnson said, reaffirming his belief in the public’s right to know. Quoting President Reagan, he emphasized, “We should trust the American people.”
Johnson acknowledged the sensitivity of the subject, calling it “very delicate,” but stood by the principle of openness: “We should put everything out there and let the people decide.”
🚨BREAKING EXCLUSIVE: Speaker Mike Johnson says he supports Ghislaine Maxwell testifying to Congress and demands the DOJ release everything they have on Epstein:
“I’m for transparency. We should put everything out there and let the people decide. Pam Bondi needs to come forward… pic.twitter.com/diB5cDQmAk
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) July 15, 2025
The Speaker also noted that former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi—currently playing a role in reviewing the Epstein files—should “come forward” and clarify the situation. “I like Pam. I think she’s done a good job,” he said. “Let’s get this thing resolved so [the DOJ] can deal with violent crime, public safety, election integrity, and going after ActBlue.”
His comments follow a House vote on Tuesday, where Republicans narrowly defeated a Democratic procedural motion—211 to 210—that would have compelled the Department of Justice to publish all remaining Epstein-related documents within 30 days. The measure, introduced by Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), was attached to a maneuver that would have disrupted the GOP’s legislative agenda for the day, making support politically costly.
Democrats have vowed to revisit the issue, with Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) stating, “That was probably not the last time that you’re going to see us deal with this issue.”
Republicans dismissed the move as political theater. Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) criticized the Democrats’ sudden interest in Epstein, stating, “It’s just politics, it’s not about protecting little children. And that ticks me off.”
BREAKING: President Trump said that Pam Bondi has been instructed to release “whatever she thinks is credible” with the Epstein documents.
He also said this whole thing was made up by Obama and Comey.
Pam Bondi, who typically loves Fox interviews, has not appeared to dispel the… pic.twitter.com/D7xg7YcnYc
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) July 15, 2025
Despite partisan clashes, key questions remain unresolved about Epstein’s network, client list, and who may have been involved in the trafficking operation. President Donald Trump has repeatedly pledged to declassify and release the full scope of information surrounding the case. On Tuesday, Trump told reporters he instructed Pam Bondi to release “whatever she thinks is credible.” He also asserted that parts of the Epstein files were “made up by [former FBI Director James] Comey” and linked to the Obama-Biden administration.
With Speaker Johnson signaling support for a full airing of the facts and Trump reaffirming his commitment to disclosure, the political pressure surrounding the Epstein case is likely to intensify. The question now is whether Republicans in Congress will take formal steps toward compelling testimony or releasing the files—and whether Democrats will continue to use the issue as a procedural wedge.
