U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson has publicly stated that the Jeffrey Epstein scandal is “not a hoax,” directly countering former President Donald Trump’s characterization of it as the “Jeffrey Epstein Hoax.” In a recent CBS News interview, Johnson emphasized the importance of justice and full accountability for all individuals connected to Epstein’s crimes. His remarks come amid ongoing political divisions within the Republican Party regarding the handling of the Epstein case.
The controversy surrounding Epstein has intensified following reports that former President Trump’s name appears in government files related to the investigation. Despite the Trump administration’s efforts to downplay the issue—including a Department of Justice memo denying the existence of a “client list” and declaring Epstein’s death a suicide—questions have resurfaced due to conflicting statements and renewed media coverage. In May 2025, Attorney General Pam Bondi informed Trump that his name was included in the Department of Justice’s investigative files concerning Epstein.
In response to the growing demand for transparency, a bipartisan effort in Congress has emerged. The House Oversight Subcommittee on Federal Law Enforcement voted 8-2 to issue subpoenas for documents from the Department of Justice related to the Epstein investigation. This move signifies a rare instance of bipartisanship, with three Republicans joining Democrats to approve the motion. The subpoenas aim to obtain investigative documents, ensuring that victim identities are protected, and to seek testimony from key figures, including Ghislaine Maxwell, Bill Clinton, and former attorneys general under Donald Trump.
The push for transparency has also led to legal actions. Former President Trump has filed a lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal, seeking $10 billion in damages over a report that connected him to Epstein through a birthday letter. The Journal reported that the letter was part of a collection included in a leather-bound album meant to celebrate Epstein’s 50th birthday, approximately three years before sex-abuse allegations emerged. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and has threatened legal action against the publication.
As the investigation continues, the political landscape remains divided. House Speaker Johnson’s recent comments highlight the ongoing tension within the Republican Party over how to address the Epstein case. While some members advocate for transparency and accountability, others, including former President Trump, have attempted to downplay the issue. The outcome of these efforts will likely have significant implications for the party’s future direction and its approach to handling sensitive legal matters.
