In a surprising move that underscores growing tensions within the Republican Party, House Speaker Mike Johnson on Tuesday reportedly announced that Congress would adjourn for its summer recess early, effectively sidestepping contentious votes on the release of files related to the disgraced financier and convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
The decision cuts short the legislative week, sparing Republicans from a divisive showdown over demands from both Democrats and a vocal MAGA-aligned faction of the GOP base calling for full transparency on Epstein’s ties to prominent figures.
Democrats had planned to force a procedural vote this week to compel the Department of Justice to release the Epstein documents. Speaker Johnson’s maneuver prevents that — for now.
“We’re done being lectured on transparency,” Johnson said at a press conference Tuesday, pushing back on the partisan theatrics he argued were clouding the actual pursuit of justice.
He slammed what he called “endless efforts to politicize the Epstein investigation” and made clear that House Republicans would not “play political games” with the matter.
The move reflects growing discord among Republicans, with Johnson attempting to strike a balance between strategic caution and rising demands for accountability from conservative voters.
After initially expressing support for public release of the Epstein documents, Johnson reversed course, suggesting President Trump needs “space” to assess the proper course forward.
That pivot has infuriated populist members of the GOP caucus. “Crimes have been committed,” said Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA). “If there’s no justice and no accountability, people are going to get sick of it.”
Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC), a member of the Rules Committee — which effectively froze movement on other legislation as the Epstein issue came to a head — accused party leadership of “stalling.” “The American people deserve action, not excuses,” Norman posted online. “Let’s vote on it before August recess and get it DONE!!”
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) was more defiant still, declaring his intention to bypass Johnson and force a vote on Epstein file disclosure in September through a discharge petition, a rarely used legislative maneuver that could enable bipartisan cooperation on the issue.
After a tense Republican conference meeting, Massie said Johnson “just told us in there to stick their heads in the sand about this Epstein thing.”
Johnson brushed off the criticism with characteristic Southern restraint: “Bless his heart,” he said of Massie. “Some here are much more frustrating than others.”
While Republicans managed to push through a few noncontroversial bills on Tuesday and early Wednesday, the Epstein matter paralyzed the House’s legislative agenda. Votes on immigration and energy bills were shelved.
Still, signs of movement remain. The House Oversight Committee voted Tuesday to subpoena Ghislaine Maxwell — Epstein’s longtime confidante currently serving a 20-year sentence — for a deposition.
The measure was introduced by Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN), who has led efforts to force transparency around the Epstein saga.
Greene, while supporting the subpoena, voiced concern over Maxwell’s motives, speculating she may be “bartering for something,” such as a potential presidential pardon.
The early adjournment reflects not just a tactical retreat but also the GOP’s struggle to reconcile populist demands for justice with institutional hesitancy — a dynamic that may only intensify as more information about Epstein’s network comes to light.
[READ MORE: Justice Department Reopens Epstein Leads, Signaling Sharp Shift Under Trump Officials]
