House Speaker Mike Johnson recently issued a clarification regarding comments he made about former President Trump's involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. In a previous interview, Johnson's remarks implied that Trump may have been an FBI informant. However, he has since walked back those statements, emphasizing that he misspoke and lacked definitive knowledge of the situation.
Speaking to reporters at the Capitol, Johnson stated, "I don't know if I used the right word. I said FBI informant. I wasn't there. This isn't my lane." He clarified his intention, asserting that his comments were meant to convey a belief that Trump had never obstructed the Epstein investigation and, in fact, may have been cooperative. "I'm just repeating what is common knowledge and has been out in the public for a long time: President Trump was never a hindrance to the Epstein investigation. He was trying to assist in that," Johnson explained.
This clarification follows the House Oversight Committee's announcement of an investigation into the Epstein case. Chaired by Representative James Comer (R-KY), the committee plans to visit the Epstein estate to examine visitor logs and other relevant documents. This proactive investigation aims to shed further light on the circumstances surrounding Epstein's case and any potential connections to high-profile individuals. The ongoing investigation adds a layer of complexity to Johnson's initial comments and their subsequent retraction. The ongoing investigation underscores the continuing public interest in the Epstein case and the scrutiny surrounding its various aspects.
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Originally published at: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/speaker-johnson-says-he-misspoke-about-trump-being-an-fbi-informant-in-the-epstein-case
