House Speaker Mike Johnson addressed the public on Tuesday during the weekly House Republican Leadership press conference, emphasizing the GOP’s efforts to ensure maximum transparency surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein files while protecting victims of his crimes. Johnson framed the ongoing congressional work as a continuation of Republicans’ commitment to justice, asserting that they were acting in good faith to release information in a responsible manner. He positioned the recent surge of Democratic interest in the Epstein documents as politically motivated, highlighting that Democrats had access to the files for the entire duration of the Biden Administration yet had taken no action to make the records public.

Johnson criticized Democrats for their perceived sudden concern over the Epstein investigation, arguing that their newfound urgency was inconsistent with their four-year tenure controlling access to the files. He referenced the Biden Department of Justice’s possession of the documents and noted that, during that time, Democrats had not convened press conferences, issued statements, or otherwise demanded the disclosure of the materials. According to Johnson, this raises legitimate questions for the American public about the timing of the Democrats’ interest, suggesting that the current focus is less about transparency or justice and more about political posturing.

The Speaker also drew parallels between what he described as Democratic inaction on Epstein and other issues during the Biden Administration, including the border crisis, inflation, and concerns about President Biden’s cognitive and physical health. Johnson argued that, historically, Democrats downplayed or dismissed these crises despite their visibility and impact, yet have now suddenly mobilized around Epstein-related matters. By contrasting the party’s previous silence with their current activism, Johnson sought to frame Republicans as consistent advocates for accountability while painting Democrats as opportunistic in their approach.

Johnson underscored the ongoing bipartisan work of the House Oversight Committee, noting that the committee has already released substantial material. He cited the publication of over 65,000 documents related to Epstein, including flight logs, financial ledgers, personal calendars, and additional estate records. Johnson emphasized that this represents more disclosure than what the recently proposed discharge petition seeks to accomplish. By highlighting the breadth of material already available, he aimed to demonstrate that Republicans are proactively facilitating public access while balancing the need for careful review of sensitive information.

A major concern Johnson raised about the discharge petition involves protections for victims, whistleblowers, and confidential informants. He argued that the petition could inadvertently compromise privacy by mandating the release of unverified or non-credible material, potentially damaging the reputations of individuals who had no involvement in Epstein’s crimes. Johnson also noted that the petition cites an incorrect section of federal law, which could force the disclosure of child sexual abuse materials without proper redactions. These legal and ethical considerations, he contended, justify a measured approach to transparency rather than a broad, expedited release.

Finally, Johnson highlighted national security implications, warning that the discharge petition’s requirement for rapid declassification could undermine agency control over sensitive intelligence. He emphasized that decisions about declassification have historically rested with the originating agency to ensure the protection of classified information and operational integrity. Johnson concluded by asserting that Republicans are working to responsibly provide transparency and justice for Epstein’s victims, while protecting the integrity of ongoing investigations, national security interests, and the privacy of individuals whose identities are tangentially referenced in the files.

Washington Democrats oversaw the Epstein files for FOUR YEARS. They didn’t release them. They didn’t push Biden’s DOJ for action. They DIDN’T LIFT A FINGER for the victims.

So why now?

Because Democrats don’t have a platform or a principle left to defend — so they’ve defaulted… pic.twitter.com/JXIVw6xweF

— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) November 18, 2025