House Speaker Mike Johnson publicly distances himself from President Donald Trump over the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein case. During a pointed interview with CBS News, Johnson flatly rebuked Trump’s contention that the Epstein files are a “hoax.” He called for “full transparency” and accountability.
Meanwhile, Trump has attacked his supporters for accepting what he now labels as the “Jeffrey Epstein Hoax.” The Justice Department, this week, requested federal courts to unseal grand jury testimony in the case.
The DOJ-FBI conducted a recent review that found no “client list” and once again confirmed Epstein’s death as a suicide. But that determination has only added fuel to public skepticism, particularly among Trump’s own MAGA enthusiasts.
Speaker Johnson Breaks Ranks with Trump
Appearing on CBS News’ The Takeout, Johnson was firm in his rejection of Trump’s stance. When asked whether he agrees with Trump’s labelling of the Epstein files as a hoax, Johnson said, “It’s not a hoax. Of course not.” He added, “We want full transparency. We want everybody who is involved in any way with the Epstein evils — let’s call it what it was.”
This is a strong contrast to President Trump’s most recent statements. On July 25, Trump wrote a lengthy tirade on Truth Social, again criticizing the Epstein story. He blamed the “Radical Left” for producing propaganda to spoil his second-term momentum. “Their new SCAM is what we will always refer to as the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax, and my PAST supporters have swallowed this ‘bulls–t,’ hook, line, and sinker,” he wrote.
MAGA Base Pushes Back Against DOJ Findings
Trump’s comment seems to indicate increased exasperation among his base. Most of his MAGA base still doesn’t believe the government account. The DOJ and FBI have just published a review concluding Epstein had killed himself while in jail pending trial on sex trafficking allegations. Investigators declared they had no evidence of a claimed “client list.
But rather than laying the matter to rest, the review has further raised suspicion. Most of Trump’s former loyalists are now suspecting his sincerity in revealing the whole truth. Speaker Johnson appears to be reacting to this pressure by echoing the call for transparency.
DOJ Moves to Release Grand Jury Testimony
Adding to the tension, the Justice Department has taken new steps this week. It has formally requested that federal courts unseal grand jury testimony related to the Epstein probe. The move signals a shift toward greater transparency. It also aligns more closely with Johnson’s position than Trump’s dismissive tone.
This widening chasm between Trump and Republican leadership may extend. With popular pressure escalating and new evidence possibly about to come out, the case of Epstein is back at the centre of national discussion. And this time, Trump’s isolation on the issue might be more apparent than ever.
