House Diverted: Avoiding the Epstein Files Showdown

In a strategic political maneuver, the top Republican in the U.S. House of Representatives expedited the commencement of a five-week summer recess, sidestepping a contentious debate over the release of files related to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

This decision effectively deflected a bipartisan push—initiated by Democrats and some Republicans—to compel the Justice Department and FBI to disclose all documents on Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019. House Speaker Mike Johnson condemned the political implications, emphasizing a desire to avoid Democratic tactics.

Meanwhile, fractures emerged among President Trump's supporters, who were previously promised transparency, only to encounter governmental reluctance. This development comes as efforts to expedite the release of grand jury transcripts gain momentum, adding pressure on the Justice Department.

(With inputs from agencies.)