House Speaker Mike Johnson grew visibly frustrated on NBC’s Meet the Press after being pressed on whether the ongoing government shutdown is connected to delays in releasing new Jeffrey Epstein documents. Critics allege the Trump administration is using the shutdown to block scrutiny of the late financier’s crimes, but Johnson dismissed the suggestion as “another red herring.” The exchange came as political tension mounted over a bipartisan push to force the Justice Department to disclose more files related to Epstein’s case.
Johnson Dismisses Epstein Link
When asked about the growing speculation that the government shutdown is tied to efforts to suppress Epstein-related disclosures, Johnson erupted. “It’s totally absurd!” he exclaimed. “This has nothing to do with that. It’s another red herring.” The Speaker of the House insisted that Democrats were to blame for the shutdown and accused them of obstructing key votes needed to reopen the government.
Blames Democrats for the Shutdown
Johnson doubled down on assigning responsibility to Senate Democrats. “The reason the government is closed is because Ch— Chuck Schumer and 43 of his Democrat colleagues in the Senate have decided now to vote multiple times to keep the government closed,” he said, briefly stumbling over Schumer’s name. “We need them to turn the lights back on so that everyone can do their work.” His remarks follow weeks of partisan gridlock, as both chambers remain deadlocked over spending negotiations.
Welker Points to Epstein Delay
NBC host Kirsten Welker pushed back, noting that the shutdown has halted the release of new documents related to Epstein’s crimes and paused the House Oversight Committee’s review of the Justice Department’s handling of the case. “Democrats say the House is not in session because you don’t want to swear in this newly elected member, the Congresswoman from Arizona, who would be a critical vote to releasing the Epstein files,” Welker told Johnson, referring to the delayed induction of Democrat Adelita Grijalva.
New Arizona Seat at Center of Controversy
Adelita Grijalva, who recently won a special election to represent Arizona’s 7th Congressional District following her father Raúl Grijalva’s death earlier this year, has emerged as a key figure in the standoff. Her signature is believed to be pivotal for advancing a bipartisan discharge petition, introduced by Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna and Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, that would compel the Justice Department to release additional Epstein files. Her swearing-in, currently stalled due to the shutdown, could force an immediate floor vote.
Bipartisan Push for Epstein Transparency
The discharge petition represents a rare moment of bipartisan unity, aiming to bring transparency to the Justice Department’s sealed Epstein documents. Lawmakers across both parties argue that public trust demands full disclosure of any individuals connected to the late financier’s sex-trafficking network. However, the current halt in government operations has effectively paused progress, amplifying suspicions of political interference.
Trump Administration’s Epstein Stance
The controversy comes as Donald Trump faces renewed scrutiny over his long-rumored ties to Epstein. In June, his administration reaffirmed that Epstein’s 2019 death in federal custody was ruled a suicide and denied the existence of any so-called “client list.” The conclusion infuriated far-right conspiracy circles that have long demanded further investigation into Epstein’s network, and have accused the administration of concealing information.
Johnson Digs In on Partisan Blame
Despite growing questions, Johnson remained firm in rejecting any connection between the shutdown and the Epstein documents. “They’re not serious,” he said of Democrats. “This is not a serious negotiation; they are doing this to get political points.” His remarks underscore the escalating war of words between Republicans and Democrats as the shutdown drags on, with both sides trading accusations of obstruction and political manipulation.