House Speaker’s Early Recess Sparks Controversy Amid Epstein File Release Battle
In a move that’s stirring plenty of political buzz, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) decided to cut short the House’s session early this week — sending lawmakers home for a five-week recess starting Wednesday evening. Johnson’s abrupt call to shut down the chamber ahead of schedule came as a surprise to many, especially since it conveniently halted an upcoming vote on a hot-button issue: the release of files tied to the notorious financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Johnson dismissed the whole Epstein file drama as a “Democrat sideshow,” brushing off the urgency of the matter. But Democrats aren’t buying it. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), a key figure spearheading the bipartisan push to make those documents public, didn’t mince words in a Tuesday interview on CNN’s AC360. Khanna described Johnson’s recess call as a calculated, strategic move — one he believes was likely influenced by former President Donald Trump.
Why the Rush to Recess?
According to Khanna, Johnson knew full well that the resolution to release Epstein-related files had enough votes to pass, including support from some Republican members. That meant Johnson risked “embarrassing the members of his own caucus,” so shutting down Congress early was the easy way out.
This wasn’t just a partisan effort, either. The resolution has GOP backing from names like Thomas Massie (Ky.), Marjorie Taylor Greene (Ga.), Nancy Mace (S.C.), and Tim Burchett (Tenn.). Khanna noted with some irony that these Republicans have rarely supported any of the legislation he’s introduced during his nine years in Congress — making this an unusually bipartisan push.
“So here’s the kicker,” Khanna explained. “This is something that his own base wants. It would pass overwhelmingly, and yet he’s literally closing Congress to avoid a vote on our bill or any amendment connected to releasing the Epstein files.”
Trump’s Hand Behind the Scenes?
When asked if Trump played a role in Johnson’s decision, Khanna was firm: “Most likely, yes.” He pointed to Johnson’s earlier hesitation to even bring a nonbinding resolution urging the White House to release the files to a vote.
“The president simply does not want Johnson to have any vote on any bill or amendment related to Epstein,” Khanna added. “But here’s the thing — this issue isn’t going away anytime soon.”
New Developments on Epstein and Maxwell
Meanwhile, the House Oversight Committee took a step forward by voting — via voice vote — to request a deposition from Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate who’s been convicted in connection with his crimes. The Justice Department is also interested in speaking with Maxwell as part of their ongoing investigations.
This adds a fresh layer of complexity to an already tangled web of legal and political drama.
Trump’s Epstein Ties Back in the Spotlight
Adding fuel to the fire, CNN dropped a bombshell on Wednesday by releasing photos of Trump attending his then-wife Marla Maples’ wedding in 1993, where Epstein was also in attendance. Even more eyebrow-raising was video footage of Trump and Epstein together at a Victoria’s Secret event in 1999.
CNN tried to get Trump’s reaction to these uncovered images, but the former president’s response was swift and sharp: “You’ve got to be kidding me,” he said before labeling the network “fake news” and abruptly ending the call.
These revelations follow last week’s Wall Street Journal report, which stirred controversy with a “bawdy” birthday message Trump allegedly wrote to Epstein in 2003. That message was reportedly part of a surprise planned by Maxwell. Trump vehemently denied the story, calling it fake news, and even sued the Wall Street Journal and its parent company, News Corp, owned by Rupert Murdoch.
Why Does This Matter?
The Epstein saga has long been a political and legal hot potato. Epstein’s high-profile connections — from celebrities to politicians — have made the release of his files a topic that demands transparency and accountability. Many believe the documents could expose uncomfortable truths and potentially implicate influential figures.
Johnson’s sudden decision to recess has frustrated advocates pushing for transparency. By stalling the vote, critics argue, he’s effectively protecting powerful interests and preventing Congress from exercising its oversight responsibilities.
What’s Next?
As the House sits idle for weeks, the pressure is mounting on lawmakers to revisit the issue once they return. The bipartisan coalition behind the resolution remains steadfast, signaling they’ll keep fighting for the release of those files.
Rep. Khanna is clear that this is more than just a political stunt. “This isn’t about party politics,” he emphasized. “It’s about holding powerful people accountable and ensuring that justice isn’t just for some.”
The Oversight Committee’s move to summon Maxwell shows that some parts of the government are continuing to probe Epstein’s network. Whether the full files will see the light of day anytime soon remains uncertain, but public demand for transparency isn’t fading.
Quick Recap:
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House Speaker Mike Johnson calls early recess, stopping vote on Epstein file release
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Rep. Ro Khanna says Johnson’s move was to protect GOP members and likely influenced by Trump
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GOP members like Massie and Greene support the release resolution — unusual bipartisan backing
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House Oversight Committee pushes for deposition from Ghislaine Maxwell
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Trump’s relationship with Epstein spotlighted again after CNN releases photos and video
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Trump denies allegations, calls media “fake news,” sues Wall Street Journal
This whole situation highlights how political strategy and high-profile scandals collide — making for a compelling story that’s far from over. The coming weeks will be critical in seeing whether Congress can break through the gridlock and deliver answers on Epstein’s files, or if powerful interests will continue to keep the lid firmly shut.
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