Speaker Mike Johnson Calls for Transparency in Epstein Case as Pressure Mounts on Trump Administration

House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed support this week for full public disclosure in the ongoing saga surrounding Jeffrey Epstein, as questions continue to swirl around the late financier’s network and possible government inaction. His remarks come amid renewed scrutiny over how the Trump administration is handling the long-running controversy.

In an interview with CBS News’ Major Garrett, Johnson — a Republican from Louisiana — made it clear that he believes transparency is critical when it comes to Epstein’s case.

We want full transparency,” Johnson said. “We want everyone who had any involvement with the Epstein crimes — and let’s be clear, they were evil — to face justice. The full weight of the law should be brought down on their heads.”

Despite his strong words, Johnson acknowledged that he personally hasn’t reviewed any of the Epstein-related evidence. “That was not in my lane,” he told CBS, distancing himself from the details of the investigation.

His comments reflect growing pressure within the Republican Party itself, not only from the public but also from several lawmakers, demanding answers about the government’s investigations into Epstein and his alleged associates. The public appetite for accountability has surged again following the release of a Justice Department review.

That report, conducted by both the DOJ and FBI, concluded that Epstein had died by suicide while in federal custody in 2019. It also stated there was no credible evidence of a so-called “client list” or that Epstein was actively blackmailing powerful figures — claims that have circulated widely in the media and online.

Still, critics aren’t satisfied with those conclusions, especially given the suspicious circumstances surrounding Epstein’s death in a federal jail and his longstanding connections to elite political, business, and entertainment circles.

Interestingly, during President Joe Biden’s time in office, there was little focus on the Epstein investigation from mainstream media or political leaders. However, under the Trump administration’s current term, the issue has once again returned to center stage — fueled by conservative voices and social media campaigns demanding answers.

Despite advocating for transparency in public comments, Johnson and other GOP leaders have recently resisted Democratic efforts to force a floor vote to release additional materials related to Epstein’s case. Instead, Johnson accused Democrats of “political theater,” suggesting their push was more about optics than justice.

Further adding to the confusion, Johnson abruptly adjourned the House early for summer recess — a move that avoided any immediate vote on the Epstein files. Lawmakers had originally been scheduled to remain in session through Thursday, but the Speaker ended the week on Wednesday.

“I have the same concerns and questions a lot of people have,” Johnson said, but did not commit to a timeline or mechanism for releasing more documents.

Meanwhile, at former President Trump’s direction, the Justice Department has requested that courts unseal certain grand jury materials from prior criminal investigations into Epstein and his longtime associate, Ghislaine Maxwell.

A federal judge in Florida recently rejected a petition to unseal grand jury transcripts from early 2000s cases involving Epstein. Those investigations ended without any federal charges. However, separate motions to release records from more recent cases in New York — where Epstein and Maxwell were both criminally charged — are still pending.

Adding another twist to the case, Ghislaine Maxwell reportedly participated in two lengthy interviews with the Justice Department earlier this week. Sources familiar with the matter told ABC News that Maxwell initiated contact with federal authorities and agreed to cooperate under a limited immunity deal.

This type of arrangement, referred to as “proffer immunity,” permits individuals to speak freely during interviews without fear that their statements will be used against them in future prosecutions. Maxwell, who is already serving a prison sentence for her role in Epstein’s sex trafficking ring, reportedly sat for nearly nine hours over the course of two days.

Her attorney, David Markus, told ABC News that there were “no promises” made in exchange for her cooperation, and that she answered every question posed to her by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.

“She didn’t hold anything back,” Markus said. “They asked about maybe a hundred different individuals. She answered them all.”

He declined to name any specific individuals discussed or clarify whether Maxwell offered information about other potential abusers or accomplices.

As speculation continues to build, and with Maxwell’s cooperation now public knowledge, the question remains: Will the government finally reveal the full extent of Epstein’s network? And will the public ever see the long-rumored list of names connected to one of the most notorious scandals in recent American history?

For now, House leaders, DOJ officials, and the public are left in a state of uneasy anticipation — awaiting the next move in a case that refuses to fade from the spotlight.