Mike Johnson Accused of Delaying Swearing-In to Block Epstein Files Vote

Delay Tactics on Adelita Grijalva's Swearing-In

• 📌 House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing criticism for delaying the swearing-in of Democrat Adelita Grijalva, who won a special election in Arizona over two weeks ago.
• 🗣️ Grijalva's office has reported no direct communication from the Speaker's office, with all communication routed through Democratic leadership.
• 🗳️ This delay is seen as a tactic to prevent Grijalva from becoming the 218th signature needed for a discharge petition to release the Trump-Epstein files.

Epstein Files and Discharge Petition

• 📄 A discharge petition, sponsored by Republican Thomas Massie, aims to force a vote on releasing the Epstein files.
• 🤝 The petition currently has 213 House Democrat signatures and four Republican signatures, including Nancy Mace, Lauren Boebert, and Marjorie Taylor Greene.
• ⚠️ Grijalva's swearing-in is crucial as she is expected to be the 218th signatory, which would compel a floor vote on the files.

Accusations of Hypocrisy and Political Motivation

• ⚖️ Democrats, like Jason Crow and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, accuse Republicans of actively trying to cover up the Epstein files and shield elites.
• 🚀 Speaker Johnson previously swore in Republican members during pro-forma sessions when the House was not in session, a move contrasted with the current delay for Grijalva.
• 💰 Some speculate Johnson is attempting to persuade Republicans on the petition to withdraw their support before Grijalva is sworn in.

Johnson's Response and Shifting Stance

• 🎤 After initially evading questions, Speaker Johnson stated that Grijalva would be sworn in when everyone returns, calling it a "ceremonial duty."
• 🗓️ He later committed to scheduling her swearing-in, claiming it has "nothing to do with that at all" (referring to the discharge petition).
• 📢 Under House rules, once the petition reaches 218 signatures, a floor vote must occur within seven legislative days.

Pam Bondi and Trump-Epstein Photo Allegations

• 📸 Donald Trump's former Attorney General, Pam Bondi, testified before a Senate committee and refused to deny reports of lewd photos of Trump in the Epstein files.
• 🔍 Witnesses have described photos of Trump with topless women and a suspicious stain on his pants, which Bondi did not directly address.
• ⚠️ Bondi's refusal to deny the allegations under oath could expose her to legal consequences if the files reveal contrary information.