Mike Johnson encourages transparency in the Epstein Files and branches out from Trump
On the Benny Show podcast, House Speaker Mike Johnson split from Trump’s standpoint and called for transparency in the Epstein Files.
- There has been disagreement between President Trump and some of his supporters over the handling of files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
- Trump criticized his supporters for believing what he called a “Jeffrey Epstein hoax” after the Justice Department said there was no “client list” and there was no need for further disclosure.
- Several prominent Republicans, including speakers Mike Johnson, Charlie Kirk and Lara Trump, are looking for more transparency.
President Donald Trump appears in conflict with some of his supporters over the files of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Epstein was a deceased financial operator and convicted sex offender who died while awaiting trial in 2019. In March, Attorney General Pam Bondy said there was an “truck load” on the Epstein Files to be reviewed and released. On July 7, Bondi’s Justice Department said there was no “client list” and no further disclosure is required.
The move has prompted protests against more transparency among Republicans, despite Trump appearing to be underestimating it as old news. His obvious dissatisfaction with the issue reached a new high in the true social post on July 16th.
“The (D-Democrat) new scam is what we’ll call Jeffrey Epstein’s hoax forever, and my past supporters bought this “bulls***” for the hook, line and sinker,” writes Trump. “Let these underdogs continue to move forward and do the Democrats’ work. Don’t even think about talking about our incredibly unprecedented success.
Trump later said that, according to a White House pool report, DOJ should release “reliable” records related to Epstein.
Which Republicans want more transparency in the Epstein Files?
Here are some notable Republicans who have spoken to the Trump administration since Bondi’s memo, in a call to release the files.
- House Speaker Mike Johnson called for more transparency on the issue.
- Trump’s daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, also sought more transparency.
- R-UTAH MP Mike Lee called on Gislane Maxwell to testify to Congress on Benny Johnson’s podcast, “The Benny Show.”
- Turning Point USA head Charlie Kirk has listed 10 things he thinks he should do about the files and witnesses.
- Rep. Lauren Beaubert said “Benny Shaw” was “not satisfied with what was received about that lack.”
- “People want to see accountability,” said James Kommer, chairman of the House Oversight Committee.
- Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of R-Georgia and Thomas Massie of R-Kentucky had a common petition enforced a House vote on the release of the file.
House Democrats have also introduced legislative measures to release the Epstein Files.
Why was Epstein convicted of?
Epstein was never tried, but he pleaded guilty in 2008 to solicit minors for prostitution in Florida. He was also a registered sex offender.
He died in New York in 2019 before he was tried for sex trafficking charges. He was found hanged in a solitary cell in a Manhattan prison, and inspectors decided he committed suicide.
When was Epstein caught and first charged?
The Epstein police investigation began in March 2005 after a woman from the Palm Beach area in Florida said her 14-year-old stepdaughter was abused by a wealthy man.
In July 2006, Epstein was charged by a high ju trial on felony charges of seeking prostitution that did not address the age of the 14-year-old victim. He was arrested and spent one night at the Palm Beach County Jail, and the next day he was released on a $3,000 bond.
Epstein has signed a non-access agreement called “Trades of the Century.” He pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting prostitution and soliciting minors for prostitution. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison, where he was allowed to work six days a week/12 hours a day for 13 months.
When he was released from prison, he spent a year on house arrest, but was allowed to travel anywhere as long as he was back within 24 hours.
Is Donald Trump in the Epstein Files?
Trump has already appeared in Epstein’s crime legal documents, but never in any way hints at him.
In the 1990s, Trump rode an aircraft owned by Epstein, according to flight logs released in two lawsuits. But that was over 30 years ago.
Palm Beach County State Attorney’s documents featured images of message pad communications seized during a Palm Beach police search, but it is just Trump’s name and phone number.
Contributions: Aisha Baguch, Ogawashima, I’ll use everythingy
Kinsey Crowley is a Trump Connect reporter for the USA Today Network. Contact her at kcrowley@gannett.com. Follow her on X and Tiktok @kinseycrowley or Bluesky @kinseycrowley.bsky.social.
