House Speaker Mike Johnson says former President Donald Trump secretly cooperated with the FBI in efforts to investigate Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking network.
On Thursday, Johnson told reporters that Trump once acted as an informant, distancing himself from Epstein long before entering politics. His comments came as survivors and lawmakers push the Justice Department to release all Epstein files.
Johnson Says Trump Was FBI Informant Against Epstein
Johnson was questioned by CNN’s Manu Raju about Trump calling the Epstein documents a “hoax.” According to Johnson, the former president was not dismissing the crimes themselves but the way Democrats are using the case politically.
“He has never said Epstein’s crimes were fake,” Johnson explained. “What he’s calling a hoax is the way Democrats are twisting this issue to smear him. Epstein’s actions were horrific, and Trump has always known that.”
Trump Allegedly Banned Epstein From Mar-a-Lago
Johnson added that Trump expelled Epstein from Mar-a-Lago years ago after hearing disturbing allegations.
“He was horrified,” Johnson said. “He actually provided information to the FBI to help shut Epstein down. He’s always shown sympathy for the women who were victimized and wants the full truth revealed.”
When asked whether Trump should meet with survivors, Johnson suggested it could happen:
“I suspect he will. He has a compassionate heart and hates what happened to those women.”
Survivors and Lawyers Demand DOJ Release Epstein Files
The Speaker’s comments followed a press conference on Capitol Hill where Epstein survivors demanded the Department of Justice make all records public. Lawmakers are backing a new bill that would force the DOJ to unseal the files.
Victims’ attorney Brad Edwards also described past cooperation from Trump.
“In 2009, I spoke directly with him. He gave me helpful information that supported our investigation. He didn’t see it as a hoax back then,” Edwards said. “I hope he returns to that same commitment to transparency now.”
Survivor Mentions Clinton, Not Trump
One survivor, Chauntee Davies, told reporters that Epstein frequently bragged about his powerful friends, including Trump. However, she clarified she never saw Trump with Epstein or on trips.
Instead, Davies recalled traveling with former President Bill Clinton to Africa while she was being abused and manipulated by Epstein.
Johnson insists Trump has “clean hands” in the Epstein scandal, portraying him as a one-time FBI source who wanted Epstein exposed. Meanwhile, survivors and attorneys continue to press Washington for full transparency and public release of Epstein’s files.
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