On Monday, Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett didn’t hold back in criticizing Speaker of the House Mike Johnson during an appearance on CNN’s “The Lead.” The dispute came after Johnson made comments about a vote on releasing files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Johnson had said the goal was to protect the victims of Epstein’s crimes from having their names made public. He expressed doubts about whether the vote to discharge the files actually ensured that protection. When CNN host Jake Tapper asked Crockett for her response, she didn’t mince words. At first, she hesitated to swear on air but quickly decided to call Johnson “full of shit.”
Crockett went on to accuse Johnson of avoiding responsibility. She claimed he deliberately didn’t bring the House back into session because he wanted to dodge dealing with the Epstein files. She also said he refused to swear in a newly elected member of Congress, which left that member’s constituents without representation and led to lawsuits. According to Crockett, Johnson’s actions violated the Constitution, which undermines his claim that he is acting to protect victims.
This sharp exchange highlights the ongoing tension over handling the Epstein files and the political maneuvers involved. Johnson’s focus on protecting victim privacy remains controversial, especially as Democrats like Crockett suggest other motives behind the Speaker’s actions. The debate is far from over as leaders and lawmakers continue to wrestle with how best to handle sensitive information in a way that respects victims and the public.
