House Speaker Johnson Defends Trump Amid Epstein Files Controversy

President Donald Trump has shifted his stance on the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, now urging House Republicans to support the measure. This reversal comes after intense internal conflict within the GOP, particularly a split with Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has been a staunch ally of Trump.

Trump's statement on social media emphasized that his party has nothing to hide and criticized what he termed a 'Democrat Hoax' aimed at deflecting from Republican successes. According to the Harrisburg Patriot-News, Trump acknowledged that supporters of the release have sufficient votes in the House, suggesting that the measure could pass despite his previous opposition.

This marks a rare instance of Trump conceding to the demands of his party members, as he has largely maintained control over the GOP since returning to office. House Speaker Mike Johnson indicated confidence that the bill would be approved, stating, 'We’ll just get this done and move it on.' The legislation, spearheaded by Representatives Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna, seeks to compel the Justice Department to disclose all documents related to Epstein, with certain information about victims redacted to protect their identities.

Massie noted that he anticipates a significant number of Republican votes, potentially over a hundred, defying both Trump and GOP leadership. However, while the House may pass the bill, its fate in the Senate remains uncertain, with Massie urging Senate Majority Leader John Thune to act appropriately if the House votes favorably.

The report highlights that as Trump distances himself from Greene, tensions within the party escalate, particularly regarding the Epstein files. Greene criticized Trump's reversal, pointing out that many victims believe he did nothing wrong and questioned why he opposes transparency.

The ongoing feud between Trump and Greene underscores a broader rift within the MAGA movement, with potential implications for the 2026 elections. Trump's name was included in Epstein-related documents released by the Justice Department, but he has consistently denied any wrongdoing associated with Epstein, who had numerous high-profile connections.

As the House prepares for a vote, both sides anticipate the political fallout from this contentious issue, which has become a focal point of debate within the Republican Party and beyond.