Bondi needs to explain: US House Speaker calls for disclosure of Epstein files

US House Speaker Mike Johnson has called for the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier who died in jail in 2019. Johnson’s remarks come as President Donald Trump and his administration are under fire from conservatives who demand full disclosure in the Epstein case.

In a podcast, Johnson told conservative host Benny Johnson, “It’s a very delicate subject, but we should put everything out there and let the people decide it.” He added, “I agree with the sentiment that we need to put it out there.”

The statement marks a rare split from Trump’s stance, who has otherwise enjoyed strong support from Johnson. It’ll add pressure on Attorney General Pam Bondi, who previously claimed the list of Epstein’s clients was “sitting on my desk right now to review.”

“She needs to come forward and explain that to everybody,” Johnson said. “We need the DoJ focusing on the major priorities. So let’s get this thing resolved.”

Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in 2019 in federal custody awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. Last week, the Department of Justice concluded once again that there was no foul play involved. It also stated there would be no public release of client names or further information.

Anger has been building among Trump’s base, many of whom had expected his administration to fully expose Epstein’s network. Some Republicans now want the Justice Department to come clean and make the documents public.

Despite Johnson’s call, House Republicans blocked a Democratic effort to include Epstein-related disclosures in new legislation. However, Democrats are still committed. Members of the House Judiciary Committee have demanded a hearing with Attorney General Bondi, her deputy, and FBI officials to discuss the matter in full.

TRUMP AND BONDI TRY TO COOL THE BACKLASH

Trump has tried to downplay the controversy, saying people should move on. “Let’s keep it that way, and not waste Time and Energy on Jeffrey Epstein, somebody that nobody cares about,” he wrote on Truth Social.

Meanwhile, he offered support for Bondi, saying, “She’s handled it very well, and it’s going to be up to her. Whatever she thinks is credible, she should release.”

Bondi refused to directly address Epstein-related questions when speaking to NBC News. When asked about the criticism from Trump’s Maga supporters, she shifted focus, saying, “We’re going to fight to keep America safe again… We’ve got a war on drugs. We’ve got a war on human trafficking, we’ve got cartels in this country we have got foreign adversaries around this world as well, and we’re all going to work together as a team.”

At a separate press conference focused on drug enforcement, Bondi declined to take any questions on Epstein. “Today is about fentanyl overdoses throughout our country and people who have lost loved ones to fentanyl,” she said. “That’s the message that we’re here to send today. Not Epstein. Not going to talk about Epstein.”

– Ends

With inputs from Agencies