Mike Johnson: “Reckless” Bid to Release Epstein Files as GOP

July 28, 2025: On Sunday, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) strongly opposed a bipartisan effort to force a vote on making further federal files about sex offender Jeffrey Epstein public. He called the proposal “reckless.” His comments come at a time when tensions are rising inside the Republican Party and the Epstein case is getting more attention.

Johnson told NBC News that “House Republicans insist upon the release of all credible evidence and information related to Epstein in any way.” He also stressed the need to “protect innocent victims.” He said that the discharge petition, which was put forward by Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), was “reckless in the way that it is drafted and presented,” and that it “does not adequately include those protections.”

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At the same time, Massie and Khanna spoke out in favor of their bill, refuting Johnson’s assertions and slamming GOP leaders for blocking a vote. Massie, who was also on NBC News, called Johnson’s justification for protecting victims a “straw man argument.” Massie said, “Ro and I worked hard on this law to make sure that the victims’ names will be kept secret and that no child pornography will be released.”

The continued argument shows how divided the GOP is about the Epstein files, which are still a hot topic among the party’s MAGA base and staunch supporters of former President Donald Trump. On Friday, Trump, who used to be friends with Epstein, avoided inquiries about him by saying, “I have nothing to do with the guy.” This comes at a time when the Trump administration is getting a lot of criticism for the Justice Department’s decision to not release more Epstein-related data.

Massie also blasted Speaker Johnson for starting the House’s August break early, saying it was a way to avoid having to vote on the Epstein file motions. “Why isn’t Mike Johnson voting on this? Why did he tell us to go home early? Massie asked on ABC News what may happen politically if the vote doesn’t happen, such the Republicans losing their majority in the midterms. He thinks that pressure will grow for a vote during the August break.

Some Democrats, like Reps. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), also support the plan.

Massie firmly said, “I don’t think she deserves that or needs that,” when asked if Trump might provide clemency to Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted of helping Epstein. He also said that it’s “hard to believe that she, herself, and Epstein did these crimes by themselves,” which shows how important it is to find out who else was involved through bank records, paperwork, and sealed plea deals. The Justice Department recently gave Maxwell limited immunity so she could answer questions regarding the case. The information she gave will not be used against her in any future cases. When asked about the possibility of a Maxwell pardon, Johnson said again that it’s “a decision of the president” and “not my lane.”