Edith Hejberg
“If there’s nothing there, show the blank sheet,”
House Speaker Mike Johnson has emerged as the most senior Republican yet to push President Trump for greater transparency in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. In a podcast interview on Tuesday, Johnson said he supports full disclosure, despite backing Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi.
His remarks underscore growing unease within the GOP over the administration’s decision to withhold additional Epstein-related documents.
MAGA Movement Faces Internal Strains
Johnson’s comments highlight a rare rift between Trump and his staunchest congressional allies. Several MAGA-aligned lawmakers, including Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Anna Paulina Luna, and Lauren Boebert, have publicly demanded that Congress take action, such as subpoenaing the Justice Department or appointing a special counsel.
The debate is stirring deeper tensions within Trump’s base, which is already fracturing over key issues ahead of the 2026 midterms.
“Let the People Decide,” Johnson Says
Speaking candidly with conservative commentator Benny Johnson, the Speaker called the Epstein matter “delicate” but stressed that full transparency is essential. “We should put everything out there and let the people decide,” he said, signaling a shift in tone that surprised many within his party.
While reaffirming his loyalty to Trump, Johnson’s appeal for openness represents a calculated response to growing grassroots pressure.
GOP Lawmakers Urge DOJ to Come Clean
Other Republicans are joining the call. Rep. Ralph Norman, who voted with Democrats in a recent committee effort to compel document release, warned that Trump’s political standing could suffer if the administration doesn’t act. “If there’s nothing there, show the blank sheet,” he said, pointing to widespread public suspicion. Rep.
Chip Roy echoed the sentiment, saying the DOJ’s current disclosures are not enough.
House Blocks Democratic Push for Full Release
Despite mounting pressure, House Republicans banded together to block a Democratic attempt to insert a provision into unrelated legislation that would have forced the DOJ to release all Epstein files within 30 days.
The move underscores how, for now, congressional GOP leaders are unwilling to formally defy Trump on the floor — even as discontent simmers beneath the surface.
Bondi Dismisses Questions, Clings to DOJ Memo
Attorney General Pam Bondi remains firm in her refusal to release more documents. Speaking at a press event Tuesday, she said last week’s DOJ memo “speaks for itself,” brushing off repeated questions from reporters.
Bondi is under fire not only for stonewalling on Epstein but also for her reported tensions with FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino.
White House Scrambles to Shift the Narrative
Inside the West Wing, officials are scrambling to change the subject. The administration is leaning heavily on Bondi to spotlight Trump-era priorities like drug enforcement, hoping to redirect media attention.
Tuesday’s press conference, where Bondi touted meth busts, was one such effort, though the Epstein issue dominated reporters’ questions.
Trump Backs Bondi But Nods to Transparency
At the White House, President Trump defended Bondi’s handling of the case but acknowledged the push for more openness. “I would like to see that also,” Trump said when asked about transparency. Still, he emphasized the importance of credibility and reiterated his faith in Bondi’s judgment.
Trump Denies Ties to Epstein Files
Responding to past allegations, including a claim from former ally Elon Musk, Trump said Bondi has not informed him that his name appears in any Epstein-related materials. “She’s given just a very quick briefing,” he told reporters, trying to distance himself from any implication of wrongdoing.
Bondi Says She’s Not Going Anywhere
Despite the controversy, Bondi remains defiant. “I’m going to be here as long as the president wants me here,” she said Tuesday. She also brushed aside calls for her resignation, adding with a smirk, “Well, three and a half [years] now, right?”
Bongino and Patel Caught in Crossfire
Tensions between Bondi and senior law enforcement figures like Dan Bongino and Kash Patel have become a subplot in the saga.
When pressed, Bondi declined to address rumors of internal friction but said the trio remains committed to the administration’s crime-fighting agenda.
Jim Jordan Stands by Trump’s Team
House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan also weighed in, saying he has “total confidence” in Trump and his top advisors.
While he didn’t call for more Epstein-related disclosures, Jordan praised Bondi, Bongino, Patel, and Trump attorney Todd Blanche, offering a full-throated defense of the administration.
Public Pressure Mounts Amid GOP Unease
Though top Republicans are still standing behind Trump, the tide of public demand for answers isn’t slowing.
The Epstein case continues to spark questions from voters, media, and lawmakers alike, creating an uncomfortable spotlight for a president seeking to project strength heading into the next election cycle
