Speaker’s Comments at the Capitol
House Speaker Mike Johnson made a striking assertion about President Trump on Friday during an exchange with reporters at the Capitol.
The Speaker was asked to respond to Trump’s recent description of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal as “a hoax.” Epstein, a wealthy financier and convicted sex offender, died in custody in New York in 2019.
Trump’s remark has drawn sharp attention, prompting Johnson to defend him and explain what the former president meant.
Johnson’s Interpretation of Trump’s Remark
Johnson argued that Trump’s use of the word “hoax” was aimed at political opponents rather than at Epstein’s crimes.
He insisted Trump did not dismiss Epstein’s offences. “It was horrific and unspeakable conduct, and the president recognises that,” Johnson said.
Johnson Raises FBI Informant Claim
Johnson also said Trump severed ties with Epstein years ago after hearing disturbing allegations.
“He was an FBI informant working to take this down,” Johnson added, describing Trump’s role.
This is the first time a sitting official has publicly suggested that Trump cooperated with investigators in relation to the Epstein case.
No White House Response Yet
The White House has so far not issued any response to Johnson’s statement.
The claim immediately raised questions among both journalists and lawmakers, as no such allegation had surfaced previously.
Trump’s Own Comments
Trump, speaking earlier in the week, dismissed the renewed focus on Epstein as politically motivated.
“This is a Democrat hoax that never ends,” he said on Wednesday. “I think we should be talking about our country’s success, not the Epstein hoax.”
During his presidency, Trump promised transparency regarding files related to Epstein’s network.
Why the Case Still Matters
The Epstein scandal remains in the public spotlight due to the late financier’s close ties to powerful figures, including royals, business leaders, and world politicians.
His longtime associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, is serving a lengthy prison term for assisting Epstein in exploiting underage girls.
Their connections have fuelled conspiracy theories and calls for Congress to demand full disclosure of government records.
Survivors Push for Action
On Wednesday, a bipartisan group of lawmakers stood with 10 Epstein survivors outside the Capitol to renew pressure on Congress.
They are seeking to force a vote on legislation requiring the Justice Department to release all Epstein-related files.
The news conference was intended to keep attention on transparency and accountability.
Congressional File Releases
The day before, the House Oversight Committee released more than 33,000 pages of documents tied to Epstein.
Many of the documents had already been made public in previous disclosures.
Johnson himself, along with other lawmakers, also met privately with victims earlier in the week.
Previous Federal Position on Records
In July 2020, the Trump administration said there was no formal client list and no evidence warranting new charges against third parties.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Trump’s name appeared multiple times in case documents reviewed by federal officials.
No evidence, however, was found to implicate him in wrongdoing.
The Fight Over Next Steps
Johnson is now trying to block efforts from Democrats and some Republicans who want a vote on the disclosure bill.
Their proposal would compel the Justice Department to release files while protecting the privacy of survivors.
Despite Johnson’s opposition, supporters are considering ways to bypass his control of the House floor.
Political and Legal Roadblocks Ahead
Even if the legislation were to clear the House with bipartisan backing, it would still need to pass the Senate.
Only then could the bill be presented to Trump for his signature.
For now, the debate over transparency, accountability and Johnson’s new claim about Trump’s FBI role continues to unfold.
