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**Summary:**

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing intense pressure, even from within his own Republican party, to push for the release of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Despite bipartisan support for action, Johnson is resisting, citing a desire to give the White House “space” to handle the situation. This stance has fueled infighting among Republicans, with some demanding immediate transparency and accusing the leadership of protecting the powerful. The House has adjourned for a month-long recess, but the issue is unlikely to fade away, potentially impacting upcoming elections and the reputations of key Republican figures. Democrats are capitalizing on the division, pushing for transparency and accusing Republicans of siding with the wealthy.

**News Article:**

**Epstein Files Spark Republican Turmoil, House Speaker Under Fire**

**Washington D.C. -** U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing a political firestorm over the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, with pressure mounting from all sides to release key documents related to the case. The Republican from Louisiana is resisting calls for immediate action, a stance that has ignited internal strife within the Republican party and drawn criticism from Democrats.

Johnson’s stated reason for delaying action is to allow the White House “space” to release the information on its own. However, this explanation has failed to quell the growing demands for transparency, particularly from rank-and-file Republicans and right-wing online influencers, many of whom are ardent supporters of President Donald Trump. They accuse the party leadership of shielding the powerful and failing to uphold promises of full disclosure in the sex trafficking investigation.

“The public’s not going to let this die, and rightfully so,” said Rep. Ralph Norman, a South Carolina Republican, reflecting the growing sentiment among those pushing for the release of the files.

The internal conflict has paralyzed the House, forcing Johnson to end the legislative session early and send lawmakers home for a month-long August recess. Several key votes, including measures on immigration and infrastructure, have been put on hold.

Democrats are seizing the opportunity to exploit the Republican division, repeatedly calling for votes on the issue and framing it as a matter of trust in government. “It’s about transparency in government. It’s about whose side are you on? Are you on the side of the rich and powerful, protecting men? Or are you on the side of young girls and America’s children?” questioned Rep. Ro Khanna, a California Democrat.

Even with the recess, the pressure on Johnson is unlikely to abate. Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican known for challenging party leadership, is working to force a vote on a bipartisan bill demanding the release of the Epstein files.

The controversy surrounding the Epstein investigation threatens to have far-reaching consequences, potentially impacting upcoming midterm elections and the reputations of key Republican figures. As Rep. Massie put it, this is a “watershed moment” for both the Speaker of the House and the President.

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