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Speaker Johnson Defends Trump Amid Epstein Files Controversy

2/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

House Speaker Mike Johnson defended U.S. President Donald Trump on NBC's Meet the Press regarding Trump's connections to newly released Epstein files.
Johnson claimed Trump "has never had any concern" about the files, despite evidence suggesting otherwise.
Johnson attempted to recast Trump as a whistleblower against Epstein, asserting that Trump publicly and privately shares the same views.
Johnson faced scrutiny over Trump's previous dismissal of the files as a "Democratic hoax."
Critics accused Johnson of delaying a vote on the Epstein files to avoid political fallout.

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Story summary

House Speaker Mike Johnson defended U.S. President Donald Trump on NBC's Meet the Press regarding Trump's connections to newly released Epstein files.
Johnson claimed Trump "has never had any concern" about the files, despite evidence suggesting otherwise.
Johnson attempted to recast Trump as a whistleblower against Epstein, asserting that Trump publicly and privately shares the same views.
Johnson faced scrutiny over Trump's previous dismissal of the files as a "Democratic hoax."
Critics accused Johnson of delaying a vote on the Epstein files to avoid political fallout.