In a desperate move to avoid a House vote on releasing the Epstein files, Speaker Mike Johnson shut down the House of Representatives and sent them home early for the summer break. He must have known that he did not have the votes to block the release of those files. This is what fealty to the president looks like when there are other items of business to be addressed of vital interest to the American people.
When the House reconvenes on Sept. 2, you can bet that there will be a bipartisan vote to force a vote on a discharge petition brought by Reps. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Thomas Massie (R-KY). Many lawmakers have been receiving calls from constituents clamoring for more information on said files. Massie said, “I don’t think this issue is going away over August.”
As for President Trump, he claims, “Credible information has been given,” and that, “I think only really bad people, including Fake news, want to keep something like that going.” By fanning the flames of conspiracy theories throughout his political career, he has brought this upon himself. A good portion of the MAGA base is miffed because Trump promised to open the Epstein files and then reneged after he was elected. He then said a few harsh words for them and denied that he needed their support.
When asked by a reporter if he knew about Deputy A.G. Todd Blanche contacting the defense lawyer for Ghislaine Maxwell, he claimed no such knowledge and opined that it would be appropriate in this case. His denial was not convincing and it is a gross conflict of interest for Trump’s former defense attorney to be acting as a government official in this case. I can only imagine what Blanche would discuss with Maxwell, who wants to be pardoned. Meanwhile, the only comment Trump had to make about the convicted pedophile was, “I wish her well.” No empathy for the victims there.
Trump has fired off a flurry of denials, deflections and distractions to get this issue out of the news cycle. Come September, we will see whether Teflon Don can get this albatross off his neck.
Don Hiddleson, Millcreek
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