Facing pressure on Epstein files, US Speaker Mike Johnson shuts House early, blocks vote

“We’re done being lectured on transparency,” Johnson said at a press conference, visibly frustrated. “We’re not going to play political games with this.”

Mike Johnson on canceling Congress until September: “We’re not going to play political games with [Epstein]” pic.twitter.com/5psWWxc7rX

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 22, 2025

The announcement came just after the House Oversight Committee voted to subpoena Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate and alleged co-conspirator, for a deposition.

Johnson also sought to reaffirm Trump’s commitment to “transparency” and securing the release of all “credible” evidence relating to the case.

“I believe in maximum transparency,” Johnson said, later adding: “The President himself has said that he wants maximum transparency and all credible evidence to be turned over to the American public, so that everyone can make their own decisions. We’re owed that.”

He lashed out at what he described as “Democrats’ endless efforts to politicise the Epstein controversy and the whole investigation,” accusing them of staging a “charade” and engaging in “political games.”

Republicans had initially scheduled votes this week on several unrelated bills — including an immigration measure, a permitting bill, and rollbacks of Biden-era regulations. But Democrats on the powerful House Rules Committee repeatedly demanded votes on Epstein-related resolutions as part of these proceedings, creating a procedural logjam.

Faced with the prospect of being forced to vote on Epstein disclosures, a step many in the GOP fear could alienate their base or spotlight uncomfortable connections, Republican leadership decided to abandon its planned agenda altogether. Johnson now plans to adjourn the House by midafternoon Wednesday after clearing a few noncontroversial measures.

Johnson had previously indicated some willingness to release the files, but on Monday, he reversed course, saying Trump needed “space” to decide how to proceed. He insisted Tuesday that Republicans are “united” on the issue — even as party infighting and public pressure suggest otherwise.