Johnson Reasserts Confidence in Trump, Says Epstein-Related Claims Are Politically Driven
House Speaker Mike Johnson used his Sunday media appearance to defend President Donald Trump from allegations involving Jeffrey Epstein’s records while highlighting what he described as a return to “regular order” on Capitol Hill. Johnson, speaking on Fox News Sunday, disputed the suggestion that Trump’s name appears in any yet-to-released Epstein documents and said the House is poised to move forward with legislation this week that would compel the release of many of those files.
Throughout the interview, Johnson sought to balance two messages: restoring public faith in congressional function and addressing mounting political tension over the long-sealed Epstein files. According to the speaker, critics — particularly Democrats — are using the issue as a vehicle to damage Trump politically, an accusation Democrats deny.
Johnson, however, insisted that the House is “doing what transparency demands,” while adding that Democrats themselves have repeatedly stalled efforts to expedite the documents’ release.
A Return to ‘Regular Order,’ Johnson Says
While the Epstein controversy dominated much of the political conversation, Johnson began his interview by focusing on Congress’s recent legislative activity. He noted that the House had three bills signed into law earlier in the week, describing this as proof that the chamber is entering a “more stable and functional” legislative period.
“I’m very proud of this achievement,” Johnson stated. “We are returning to regular order—the way Congress is supposed to work — so that we can better steward the taxpayers’ dollars.”
Johnson acknowledged that praising Congress for meeting a basic standard “might seem like a low bar,” but he argued that after years of gridlock, disorder, and shutdown brinkmanship, these incremental moves matter.
He added that many House Republicans did “some of the best work of their careers” during the government shutdown, which he blamed entirely on Democrats.
Johnson Claims Democrats Weaponized the Shutdown
In discussing the recent shutdown, Johnson accused Democratic lawmakers of using the crisis as a political tool.
“Democrats in Congress voted 16 times to keep the government closed,” Johnson said. “They brought on the longest shutdown in government history — and to exact all this pain on the people. And it was all for nothing.”
The speaker’s argument centered on the claim that Democrats prolonged the shutdown to damage Trump politically and force concessions that ultimately never came. Democrats, for their part, maintain they were trying to secure protections for key social programs and avoid what they described as “harmful, partisan budget demands.”
Johnson dismissed such explanations, saying none of the shutdown maneuvering changed the final legislative outcome.
Johnson Rejects Claims Linking Trump to Epstein Files
As debates surrounding the Epstein documents intensified, Johnson directly addressed accusations that President Trump could be named in the records.
“They’re doing this to go after President Trump on this theory that he has something to do with it,” Johnson said. “He does not.”
Johnson said he speaks with Trump “all the time” and that the president is not worried about the claims.
“Trump is frustrated that they [Democrats] are turning it into a political issue,” he said. “The Democrats have nothing else to talk about, so they seized on this.”
It is important to note that none of the yet-to-be-released Epstein files have been made public, and no official statements indicate which individuals might be named in those materials. Johnson’s comments were framed as his own assertion rather than a confirmed conclusion from federal authorities.
Battle Over Transparency: Discharge Petition Controversy
Johnson continued by accusing Democrats of blocking efforts to release the Epstein files. He said he offered Democrats a chance to approve a transparency measure by unanimous consent on the House floor — only for Democrats to object.
“If they were really for transparency, if this is really about helping victims…and all that, they would not have stopped the passage of the discharge petition,” Johnson said.
According to Johnson, since Democrats blocked the unanimous consent request, the House will take up the discharge petition again next week, where he believes there will be “lots of votes” to finally push it through.
“The Oversight Committee is releasing far more information than the discharge petition ever anticipated,” Johnson added, calling the petition “moot” and describing the Democratic objection as “a political exercise.”
While Johnson argues the House GOP is moving aggressively to increase transparency, Democrats say some Republicans previously opposed file release efforts, making Johnson’s messaging inconsistent with earlier positions within his party.
Rep. Thomas Massie Predicts a Wave of GOP Support
Appearing on ABC’s This Week, Rep. Thomas Massie offered a dramatic prediction: “100 or more” Republicans may support the release of Epstein-related documents when the vote reaches the floor.
Massie — one of the four Republicans who joined Democrats in signing the original bipartisan discharge petition — said the momentum for transparency is growing, especially as public pressure increases.
Massie and Rep. Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California, were the architects of the petition that compelled the House to act on releasing files tied to Epstein’s network and activities. That petition bypassed House leadership and forced a vote.
Massie said he is seeking a veto-proof majority — two-thirds of the House — to ensure the measure becomes law regardless of White House objections.
Massie Issues Stark Warning to Republicans
Massie’s most forceful remarks came when he addressed Republicans hesitant to vote in favor of releasing the records.
“I would remind my Republican colleagues — Donald Trump can protect you in red districts right now by giving you an endorsement,” Massie said. “But in 2030, he’s not going to be the president. You will have voted to protect pedophiles if you don’t vote to release these files, and the president can’t protect you then.”
Massie continued:
“The record of this vote will last longer than Donald Trump’s presidency.”
His warning underscores the political gravity surrounding the Epstein documents, which have remained at the center of public speculation for years.
A Rare Bipartisan Pressure Point
While the political messaging around the issue remains polarized, the actual discharge petition itself was unusually bipartisan. All Democrats signed it, and four Republicans joined them — a small number, but enough to force the vote.
The transparency push has also attracted interest from civil liberties organizations, child protection groups, and anti-trafficking advocates, all of whom argue that releasing the files could help victims, clarify historical events, and restore public trust in federal institutions.
There is no guarantee, however, that all Epstein-related materials will be released in full. Various legal considerations — including privacy laws, ongoing investigations, and sealed testimony — may limit the scope of documents that reach the public.
What Comes Next
The House is expected to take up the file-release measure this week, and Johnson says he is confident the chamber will pass it.
For now, competing narratives dominate Washington:
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Johnson claims Democrats are weaponizing Epstein allegations to target Trump.
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Massie argues Republicans must support transparency regardless of political loyalties.
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Democrats maintain Republicans are late converts to transparency and point to past resistance.
As public anticipation grows, lawmakers on both sides face pressure to demonstrate they are prioritizing accountability over political gamesmanship.
The vote scheduled for this week could mark a significant development in one of the most controversial and closely watched political and legal stories of the past decade.
Sarah Mitchell is a bestselling novelist recognized for her insightful and emotionally resonant stories that explore the complexities of human relationships. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Sarah grew up in a family of teachers who nurtured her curiosity and love for storytelling. She studied psychology at Stanford University, where she became fascinated by the intricacies of human behavior—an interest that would later shape her writing career. Sarah’s novels are praised for their nuanced characters, intricate plots, and ability to capture the subtle tensions that define love, friendship, and family ties. Her breakthrough novel, The Spaces Between Us, became an instant bestseller, lauded for its honest portrayal of strained family relationships and the fragile bonds that hold people together. Since then, she has published several works that continue to captivate audiences around the world. Outside of her writing career, Sarah is passionate about mental health advocacy and often partners with organizations to promote awareness and support for those struggling with emotional well-being. Her personal life is quieter—she enjoys hiking in the Colorado mountains, practicing yoga, and spending time with close friends. With each new book, Sarah Mitchell cements her reputation as a writer who illuminates the beauty and struggles of human connection.
