House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) sharply criticized the media on Wednesday, pushing back against reports that the House was adjourning early to dodge a vote on releasing the so-called “Epstein Files.”
“Yesterday, some of you may have seen a false headline in the New York Times, and the headline was terribly misleading,” Johnson said during a press event. “It said, House Republicans are, quote, ‘adjourning until September to avoid a vote on releasing Epstein materials.’ I just want you to know, and everybody here knows, that’s an outright lie. It’s not true.”
Johnson further stated that the publication updated the headline and story, though he claimed the damage was already done. “The initial lie travels much faster than the truth,” he said. “So we’re making sure people know what’s actually going on here. Every one of your outlets has had access to the congressional schedule, which was set in December 2024. We’re following that calendar. We’re here working. There are votes happening every day this week.”
Despite Johnson’s remarks, the New York Times headline still reads, “Johnson Cuts Short House Business to Avoid Vote on Releasing Epstein Files.” A spokesperson for the Times told Mediaite, “The Times updated this headline for clarity to readers to better understand Congressional procedure and added a similar clarification to a post on X, but our reporting on this development remains thorough, accurate and above all true.”
The article also included statements from House Republicans criticizing their own leadership. Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) accused GOP leaders of “stalling” the Epstein vote, which would mandate the Justice Department to release all related materials. “The American people deserve action, not excuses. Let’s vote on it before August recess and get it DONE!!” Norman posted on social media.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), whose bill addresses the issue, told the Times he’s not giving up on the vote. “He just told us in there to stick their heads in the sand about this Epstein thing,” Massie said, referring to GOP leadership. He vowed to press forward using a discharge petition when Congress returns in September.
Johnson emphasized that legislative work is ongoing. “We have nine or ten committees doing markups this week, many tomorrow. Congress is doing its work; no one is adjourning early.”
He reiterated his main point: “The Times was forced to change the headline because it was completely false. No one in Congress is blocking Epstein documents. What Republicans are doing is standing firm against Democrats trying to make a mockery of the rules committee process. We’re not playing into that political charade.”
