Speaker Mike Johnson expressed skepticism on Thursday regarding the success of a bipartisan discharge petition aimed at compelling the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. Despite efforts led by Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), Johnson doubts they will garner the necessary Republican support.

The petition, if successful, would force a House vote on requiring the Justice Department to release its complete files on Epstein, a convicted sex trafficker whose connections have intrigued and disturbed the public. So far, Massie, along with three other Republican members, has signed the petition. However, they still need at least two more Republicans to bypass Johnson and bring the motion to a vote.

During a press briefing, when questioned about Massie's chances of mobilizing sufficient support, Johnson simply stated, "I don't expect he will."

Adding to the complexity, White House officials have launched a vigorous campaign to dissuade Republicans from supporting the discharge effort. According to sources who wished to remain anonymous, Trump aides have been contacting GOP members, urging those who have not signed to abstain and those who have to retract their names.

In a separate interview on the same day, Johnson labeled Massie’s initiative as “superfluous.” He highlighted that Republicans had already passed a resolution urging the House Oversight Committee to continue its investigation into Epstein. This move by GOP leaders was largely seen as symbolic and a strategic attempt to counteract the binding nature of Massie’s petition.

Despite the political maneuvers, the issue remains a focal point of significant public and media attention, especially following a Capitol Hill appearance by some of Epstein's victims. These individuals joined Massie and Khanna, adding emotional weight to the legislative push. Johnson also hinted that President Donald Trump might “probably” meet with the victims, indicating a potential shift towards more direct engagement with the concerns surrounding the Epstein case.

The unfolding scenario reflects the ongoing tension and complexity in managing the legacy of Epstein's crimes, as well as the political challenges in addressing such a sensitive and scandalous topic.