US House Speaker Mike Johnson has taken a stance favoring transparency in the ongoing controversy over the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, diverging from former President Donald Trump’s more cautious approach.
Speaking during an appearance on The Benny Show, Johnson stated, “We should put everything out there,” signaling support for full disclosure of documents connected to Epstein’s crimes and high-profile network. He also called on Attorney General Pam Bondi to “come forward” and offer clarity to the American public.
Johnson was responding to questions about whether Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate, should be allowed to testify before Congress — a move she is reportedly willing to make. He was also asked if he would align with GOP figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene, who are advocating for the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release the complete files.
While Johnson admitted he hadn’t yet discussed the matter directly with Republican colleagues spearheading the push, he expressed a firm belief in government transparency, referencing President Ronald Reagan’s philosophy:
“We should trust the American people. I believe in that principle, and I know President Trump does as well.”
Despite acknowledging the “delicate” nature of the issue, Johnson emphasized that the ultimate judgment should lie with the public after the files are released. He noted he is not privy to what the current White House may already know regarding the contents of the documents.
This marks a significant deviation from Trump’s recent remarks, where he dismissed the Epstein list as a “Democratic hoax” and suggested that Pam Bondi should release only what she deems “relevant.”
The conversation around the Epstein files continues to gain political traction, with growing public and legislative pressure on federal agencies to provide transparency in one of the most high-profile and controversial cases in recent American memory.