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Speaker Johnson Deflects Epstein Files Inquiry Amid Shutdown Blame

10/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In an NBC interview, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) deflected questions about blocking Epstein files.
Host Kristen Welker noted the stance coincided with a delay in swearing in a crucial Democratic Congresswoman from Arizona.
Johnson called the claims absurd and a red herring, blaming Senate Democrats led by Chuck Schumer for the government shutdown.

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Story summary

In an NBC interview, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) deflected questions about blocking Epstein files.
Host Kristen Welker noted the stance coincided with a delay in swearing in a crucial Democratic Congresswoman from Arizona.
Johnson called the claims absurd and a red herring, blaming Senate Democrats led by Chuck Schumer for the government shutdown.