‘Oldest excuse in the book’: Speaker Mike Jonson warns of ‘National security concerns’ if the Epstein Files are released unredacted
Although Speaker Mike Johnson has consistently claimed that Republicans have nothing to hide, he has been one of the most vocal opponents of the release of the controversial Epstein Files, which are believed to contain the names of several individuals from his party. We already know that Donald Trump’s name is in there based on the clues that have surfaced over the years, including the ones that were brought to light recently.
After a discharge petition was signed to force the release of the Epstein Files recently, making Mike Johnson’s vote on the bill unnecessary, he hasn’t really been his enthusiastic self. During recent press interactions and conferences, he has insisted that the release of the details of the controversial files could be harmful, particularly to the victims. However, the names of those affected by Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes are supposed to be redacted from these documents as per standard legal procedure, unless someone chooses to allow their identities to be disclosed. So, who exactly will the documents harm, according to Mike Johnson?
Johnson reiterated his position on the release of the Jeffrey Epstein Files once more during a recent press interaction, where he stated that their contents could pose “national security concerns” as they might expose the “critical sources” and “methods” used by the agencies that produced the “intelligence.” Following Johnson’s remarks, many people criticised him, especially on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). One user wrote:
“Every time the heat gets too close to the powerful, suddenly it’s “national security.” Johnson acting like the Epstein files are some CIA playbook is the oldest excuse in the book. If intelligence agencies were mixed up in this, that’s exactly why they don’t want it unredacted not because the public is in danger, but because reputations are. “Protecting national security” is just DC code for “protecting the people who matter.”
Another person, sharing a similar opinion, wrote:
“The victims names are always redacted. Why is (Mike Johnson) fighting the release of the names implicated, complicit, in an International child sex trafficking ring? Also stating it would be a National Security risk? It appears Mike and our government have known for a very long time who is on the list. They allowed it to continue and most likely, benefited monetarily.”
Many others voiced similar sentiments regarding Mike Johnson’s comments about the Epstein Files.
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