Rep. Daniel Goldman on Mike Johnson, Trump, and the Epstein Files Cover-up

Obstruction of Epstein File Release

• 📌 Speaker Mike Johnson is accused of deliberately obstructing the release of the Epstein files by keeping the House out of session and refusing to swear in Representative-Elect Adalita Grahalva.
• 🎯 The goal is to prevent a discharge petition from reaching 218 signatures, which would force a vote on releasing the files.
• 💡 Johnson's stated reasons for delay, such as allowing Grahalva to make a speech, are dismissed as disingenuous, as he has sworn in other members much faster.

Mike Johnson's Role and Trump's Influence

• 🧠 Congressman Goldman asserts that Mike Johnson is acting as a "puppet" for Donald Trump, doing his bidding to control the Republican party.
• 🎭 Johnson's strategy is described as simply trying to "get to the next day," prioritizing Trump's interests over transparency.
• ⚠️ The shift in stance from figures like Pam Bondi and Cash Patel regarding the release of Epstein files is linked to reporting that Donald Trump is involved, suggesting a cover-up.

Republican Colleagues' Stance

• 💬 Many Republican colleagues privately express support for releasing the Epstein files and have co-sponsored related bills.
• 🚫 However, they refuse to sign the discharge petition, citing a desire to follow leadership, effectively allowing Johnson to control the process.
• ⚖️ This approach is seen as wanting to "have their cake and eat it too," publicly supporting transparency while avoiding the action needed to achieve it.

Legislative Process and Potential Obstacles

• 🚀 If the discharge petition succeeds, the bill would go to the House floor for a vote, and then potentially to the Senate.
• ⚠️ A significant concern is that even if the House passes the bill, Donald Trump might veto it, and it's unclear if there would be enough Republican support to override a veto.
• 🚧 Johnson has a history of manipulating House rules to prevent votes on issues, such as Trump's tariffs, demonstrating his willingness to obstruct "regular order."

Concerns Over 'Antifa' Branding

• 🗣️ Republicans, including Mike Johnson and Pam Bondi, are reportedly branding the upcoming "No King's Day" protest as an "Antifa" or "hate America" rally.
• 🚨 This branding, coupled with Trump's executive order designating Antifa as a terrorist organization, raises concerns about potential government overreach and the rounding up of peaceful protestors.
• ⚖️ The FBI Director has stated Antifa is an ideology, not an organization, highlighting the flexibility and potential for abuse in such designations.