Mike Johnson Sends Congress Home to Dodge Fallout as Epstein Files Are Set to Be Released

House Speaker Mike Johnson is sending the entire House of Representatives home just one day before the Justice Department is expected to release the full set of Jeffrey Epstein files, a move that is drawing sharp criticism and raising questions about timing and intent.

Johnson announced Wednesday night that House members would be dismissed early, effectively clearing Capitol Hill ahead of Friday’s deadline for the Justice Department to make the long-awaited Epstein materials public.

Critics say the decision appears designed to ensure Republicans are not physically present to face questions or backlash when the files are released, especially after months of delays and resistance surrounding their disclosure.

The move has fueled accusations that Johnson is once again acting to shield his caucus from political fallout. Democrats and transparency advocates have pointed to earlier actions, including Johnson’s controversial delay in swearing in Democratic Rep. Adelita Grijalva, as part of a broader pattern of stalling and avoidance.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez publicly called out the timing in a post on X, urging the public to view all late-week congressional developments through the lens of the impending Epstein release.

“House Republicans just suddenly canceled Congressional session Friday and are sending everyone home Thursday evening,” Ocasio-Cortez wrote, arguing that the schedule change was no coincidence.

The Epstein files have been the subject of intense public scrutiny, with prior releases already revealing photographs and associations involving powerful figures across politics, business, and culture.

Earlier disclosures included images and documents referencing Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, Bill Gates, filmmaker Woody Allen, and philosopher Noam Chomsky, though the nature and significance of those appearances varied widely.

What remains unclear is what new information Friday’s expected release may contain — or whether it will be delayed again. Transparency advocates worry that political pressure could still derail or water down the disclosure.

If Johnson’s decision succeeds in keeping lawmakers out of Washington when the files emerge, critics argue it will only deepen suspicions that congressional leadership is more focused on damage control than accountability.

As the deadline approaches, attention is now squarely on the Justice Department and whether it will follow through with the promised full release — with or without Congress present to answer for it.

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