House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing backlash after blocking a bipartisan vote to release more government documents related to financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who died in 2019. Johnson defended the move by accusing Democrats of using the issue for political gain, while Democrats, including Senator Cory Booker, criticized Republicans for avoiding transparency and debate. The controversy is heightened by Epstein’s connections to powerful figures, including President Donald Trump.
The Justice Department is seeking to interview Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted of helping Epstein, but Trump has dismissed the investigation as a "witch hunt."
The blocked vote and early congressional recess have sparked public and political pressure, with uncertainty over whether the issue will fade or intensify when lawmakers return in September.
This video summary was created using AI. A journalist edited it before publication.