House Won't Vote on Epstein Files Before August Recess, Speaker Johnson States

Epstein File Transparency Push

• 🏛️ House Speaker Mike Johnson announced that the House will not vote on a resolution to release more Jeffrey Epstein files before the August recess.
• ⏳ Johnson stated he wants to give the administration space to act on the matter.
• 🤝 A bipartisan coalition, including Congressman Thomas Massie, is attempting to force a vote on the measure.

Lawmaker Demands and Administration Actions

• 📄 Lawmakers are seeking greater transparency and the release of additional files beyond unsealed grand jury transcripts requested by the President.
• ⚖️ Critics argue that the President's request for his Attorney General to unseal transcripts does not go far enough.
• 🗓️ Congressman Massie believes momentum for transparency will build over the recess and expects action upon return in September.

White House Press Pool Controversy

• 📰 A Wall Street Journal reporter was removed from the traveling press pool for Air Force One.
• 📝 The White House press secretary cited the paper's "fake and defamatory conduct" following a letter alleging President Trump wrote Epstein a birthday letter.
• 🗣️ The White House Correspondents Association urged the administration to reverse the decision, calling it deeply troubling and a defiance of the First Amendment.

Upcoming Presidential Meeting

• 🇵🇭 President Trump is scheduled to meet with the Philippine President at the White House.
• 📈 Key discussion points will include tariffs and trade, following a letter threatening a 20% tariff on Filipino goods.
• 🌏 Geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific, including China and the South China Sea, will also be a significant focus.