In the wake of months of speculation surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein case since President Donald Trump took office, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who has been in the middle of disputes about related files held by the government, told CBS that the case is "not a hoax."
In an interview with CBS, Johnson said: "We want full transparency. We want everybody who is involved in any way with the Epstein evils — let's call it what it was — to be brought to justice as quickly as possible."
While Johnson said, "We want the full weight of the law on their heads," he took some heat from House members who wanted a vote this week on the release of Epstein case files. But he asserted that the effort amounted to "political games" by Democrats.
Johnson cleared the House calendar and sent members away for their summer break a day early.
The bill was co-sponsored by Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., a frequent and vocal Trump administration critic, and Ro Khanna, D-Calif.
Johnson told Capitol reporters the bill had problems. He also said lawmakers need to be careful what they ask for since victims in the case need to be protected.
Still, Johnson told CBS that there are serious questions that remain unanswered about the case.
"I have the same concern and question that a lot of people do," Johnson said.
Even though the full House vote didn't happen, a House subcommittee on Wednesday voted in support of a subpoena to the Department of Justice for files connected to the convicted sex offender Epstein.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said in early May that the Department of Justice was reviewing Epstein case files, but a delay in releasing information brought on complaints.
Trump has commented about the issue frequently and on Saturday posted that he wanted full public disclosure of files held by the government as allowed by the courts, but said any release would not appease "troublemakers and radical left lunatics."
Jim Mishler ✉
Jim Mishler, a seasoned reporter, anchor and news director, has decades of experience covering crime, politics and environmental issues.
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