https://www.perplexity.ai/search/67b91960-caf9-4199-8315-932b7abebc38#0

Did Mike Johnson Backtrack on Epstein Report Release?

Johnson’s Public Position on Epstein Report

• Previously, House Speaker Mike Johnson had publicly expressed support for releasing the Justice Department’s files on Jeffrey Epstein, echoing calls from both the MAGA base and House Democrats for “everything” to be disclosed:

  “It’s a very delicate subject, but we should — we should put everything out there and let the people decide it,” Johnson said just days before the controversy escalated[1].

• Johnson also stated, “House Republicans advocate for transparency and are seeking ways to demonstrate that. … I have been unequivocal, and the members have expressed the same”[2].

What Changed?

• Despite these statements, Johnson reversed course this week, saying that he would NOT hold a House vote on measures related to releasing the Epstein files before Congress left for its August recess[1][3][4].
• In explaining the move, Johnson argued there was “no purpose for Congress to urge an administration to do something they’re already doing,” referring to ongoing internal Justice Department processes[5][6].
• He blamed Democrats for pushing the issue as “political games”—even as a bipartisan group of lawmakers, led by Rep. Thomas Massie, continued working to force a vote when Congress returns in September[6][3].

Shutting Down the Floor

• Republicans on the House Rules Committee refused to allow votes on any bills this week, out of fear Democrats would attempt to force amendments calling for the release of the Epstein files[4][7].
• This led Johnson and GOP leaders to shut down the House early, cancelling scheduled votes and starting their August recess a day ahead of plan, essentially blocking any immediate action on the Epstein documents[8][2][6][9].
• Johnson’s move has drawn criticism from across the political spectrum, with some accusing him of putting party politics and Trump’s interests ahead of transparency and public interest[2][1][10][11].

Summary Table: Johnson’s Stance vs. Actions

Key Takeaways

• Mike Johnson initially voiced support for releasing the Epstein report, backing full transparency.
• He then blocked a House vote and adjourned Congress early, delaying any legislative push for disclosure.
• Public reaction has been critical, with many seeing this as Johnson reversing himself to sidestep political fallout and protect the White House[1][2][4][11].

This sequence highlights a sharp contrast between Johnson’s earlier rhetoric on transparency and his recent actions to halt legislative business on the Epstein files.

Sources [1] Speaker Mike Johnson Backtracks on Call for DOJ to Release Epstein Files https://www.democracynow.org/2025/7/22/headlines/speaker_mike_johnson_backtracks_on_call_for_doj_to_release_epstein_files [2] Mike Johnson Under Pressure Over Shutting Down House to Stop Epstein Vote https://www.newsweek.com/mike-johnson-epstein-vote-house-2102804 [3] Johnson shuts door on House vote before September on releasing Epstein files https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/21/politics/epstein-files-house-vote-gop-johnson-massie [4] House stymied as Speaker Johnson’s hand-picked committee rebels over Epstein https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5414582-speaker-johnson-rules-committee-epstein/ [5] House ending session early as Republicans clash over Epstein vote https://apnews.com/article/congress-jeffrey-epstein-trump-f2a03eca247268b14a9e38858338eded [6] Johnson ending legislative session early over Epstein controversy as some Republicans demand answers https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/house-paralyzed-epstein-files-2nd-week-row/story?id=123953105 [7] House largely grinds to a halt over Epstein files https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/07/22/house-republicans-epstein-files-mike-johnson/ [8] Epstein crisis forces Republicans to shut down House early https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/07/22/congress/house-gop-huddles-on-epstein-drama-00466738 [9] Johnson Cuts Short House Business to Avoid Vote on Releasing Epstein Files https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/22/us/politics/mike-johnson-ends-house-session-epstein-vote.html [10] Speaker Johnson reverses course on Epstein transparency, realigns with Trump https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/speaker-johnson-reverses-course-epstein-transparency-realigns-trump-rcna220197 [11] Johnson Does a Full 180 on Epstein Files After Hearing ‘the President’s Heart’ https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/mike-johnson-shuts-down-house-trump-epstein-files.html [12] House cancels votes amid fight over Jeffrey Epstein files https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/house-cancels-votes-fight-jeffrey-epstein-files-rcna220238 [13] Johnson tries to contain Epstein dissent https://www.politico.com/newsletters/inside-congress/2025/07/23/johnson-tries-to-contain-epstein-dissent-00469082 [14] Johnson confirms: No vote on Epstein before recess https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/07/21/congress/johnson-epstein-vote-recess-00465643 [15] House Speaker Johnson explains why he won’t force … - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6spfpC4IAa8 [16] Johnson sending House home early amid push to force Epstein files vote https://www.cbsnews.com/news/johnson-house-recess-epstein-files-vote/ [17] Why House Republican leaders closed up shop to stop more votes on the Epstein files https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/epstein-files-trump-house-mike-johnson-rcna220266 [18] Johnson shuts down House for the summer to sideline calls for Epstein transparency https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/speaker-ends-house-session-early-as-gop-clashes-over-epstein-files-vote