The moment Trump changed his stance on the House’s vote regarding the Epstein files, it became glaringly clear that Republicans were orchestrating a strategy to derail the legislation aimed at compelling the Department of Justice to disclose these files.
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Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) claimed on Monday that he never attempted to sabotage the discharge petition for the Epstein files—a statement that elicits a chuckle given that Johnson effectively kept the House in limbo for nearly two months, delaying the swearing in of the pivotal member who would cast the 218th vote on this petition.
In a classic case of political burying, Republicans appear intent on letting the Epstein scandal fade into obscurity, banking on the age-old adage that time heals all wounds.
Trump exerted considerable pressure up until the last minute on one of the four Republicans who had signed the petition, attempting to dissuade them from their commitment. Surprisingly, none relented, as Trump’s high-pressure tactics only galvanized House Republicans to entrench their position further.
While the president seems to be heading toward a significant setback in the House, he and Mike Johnson have devised a fallback strategy.
They are now turning their attention to Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) with hopes of thwarting the legislation that would necessitate the DOJ’s release of the files.
Trump has declared that he would sign the bill should it reach his desk, a promise made with the knowledge that such a scenario is unlikely.
In comments to reporters preceding the House vote, Johnson made it abundantly clear that the fix was in.
He openly admitted to enlisting Thune in what many are calling the Epstein files cover-up.
Watch Johnson’s remarks in the video below.
