House Speaker Mike Johnson is calling on Attorney General Pam Bondi to clarify her statements regarding the handling of Jeffrey Epstein files. This request comes after the Department of Justice announced it would not disclose any further information related to the late financier's case. Johnson's comments represent a notable divergence from President Trump, who has supported Bondi and urged his followers to move on from the Epstein issue.

In an interview with podcaster Benny Johnson, Speaker Johnson emphasized the need for transparency. He stated, "I’m for transparency. We’re intellectually consistent in this. Look, [President] Reagan used to tell us, we should trust the American people, and I believe in that principle, and I know President Trump does as well."

Johnson's remarks were prompted by Bondi's earlier comments on Fox News, where she mentioned that a file related to Epstein was "sitting on my desk right now for review." Critics have interpreted this as a reference to a potential "client list" of Epstein's associates. However, Bondi later clarified that she was referring to all Epstein files, not a specific list. Johnson said, "She needs to come forward and explain that to everybody. I like Pam. I mean, I think she’s done a good job."

The Justice Department and FBI recently stated that Epstein died by suicide and did not maintain a client list. They declined to release further details, asserting that the information under seal was meant to protect victims and did not implicate any additional parties in wrongdoing. This decision has sparked outrage among conservatives, who have long viewed the Epstein case as emblematic of a cover-up involving powerful individuals.

Johnson's call for clarification aligns with growing pressure from Republican lawmakers for more transparency regarding Epstein's convicted associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. When asked about the possibility of Maxwell testifying before Congress, Johnson reiterated his support for transparency, saying, "We need to put it out there."

Other Republican lawmakers have echoed Johnson's sentiments. Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett expressed dissatisfaction with Bondi's handling of the Epstein matter, stating, "Nobody's happy about it. Nobody knows what's going on." Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley called for the Epstein files to be made public, asserting, "I think all this stuff ought to be public."

Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie announced plans to pursue a procedural move to force a House vote on legislation aimed at releasing the complete Epstein files. He stated, "We all deserve to know what’s in the Epstein files, who’s implicated, and how deep this corruption goes."

In a separate interview, Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert suggested the need for a special counsel to investigate the Epstein case, proposing former GOP congressman Matt Gaetz for the role. Gaetz has previously faced scrutiny over a federal investigation into sex trafficking, which concluded without charges.

Meanwhile, House Democrats attempted to push for a vote on an amendment demanding the release of all Epstein files, but their effort failed by a narrow margin. House Judiciary Democrats have also called for a hearing with Trump administration officials regarding the Epstein files.

Despite the growing calls for transparency, President Trump has maintained his support for Bondi, describing her handling of the situation as "very well." He has characterized the Epstein files as a fabrication by Democrats, urging his supporters to move past the issue. Johnson, however, expressed a desire to resolve the matter, stating, "I’m anxious to get this behind us." He added, "What Epstein was involved in was an unspeakable evil. We need to stand against it not just in word, but in deed."