By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Former President Trump accused ABC News of perpetrating a hoax, claiming their reporting is “fake” and lacking credibility. He suggested the FCC Chairman should investigate the news network and that its license should be revoked. Trump cited the network’s negative coverage of him and asserted their focus is misdirected, singling out the reporter’s tone and questioning their journalistic integrity. He further criticized the network for not covering figures from the radical left, implying a political bias.
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Mike Johnson’s Gamble on Releasing Epstein Files Blows Up in His Face
The immediate reaction to the situation is a question of how the major headline doesn’t reflect the sudden shift in Republican strategy. The suspicion is that there will be considerable manipulation of the files, which is why the green light was given to the vote in the first place. The prevailing sentiment is that this is another political distraction to deflect attention from Trump’s alleged transgressions. The irony is that, often, the headlines are metaphorical rather than literal.
The core issue lies in the bill itself. It grants Attorney General Pam Bondi the authority to withhold or redact material that could jeopardize national security or hinder active federal investigations. The question becomes how much editing is occurring before the files are released. This is what leads to skepticism surrounding the whole process. There is also confusion because the administration lied about an “Epstein list” even existing. This whole exercise feels like a carefully orchestrated plan to stall, obfuscate, and ultimately, protect certain individuals.
Even if all the files were released in their entirety, the prevailing view is that no one will face any significant consequences. The chain of custody for the evidence is likely compromised, creating a significant hurdle in proving its legitimacy and preventing tampering. The chaotic back-and-forth about the files – their existence, availability, and who’s reviewing them – suggests a deliberate attempt to create confusion and delay. The expectation is that the bill’s true intent was always a strategy to stall in the Senate, knowing its compromising information. In this scenario, now, it will move at speed and will ultimately land on the desk of an unqualified individual to sign.
Mike Johnson is now potentially sweating bullets as the argument that Trump is innocent begins to collapse. The only certainty at this point is that someone, somewhere, has leverage. The bill itself allows for exceptions related to classified information and active investigations.
A week prior, Trump, despite dismissing the material released by Epstein’s estate as a hoax, ordered Pam Bondi to launch investigations into everyone named (except himself). Today’s vote has led to the dubious claim that the files are full of sensitive national security information.
The likely outcome, based on the above information, is that Republicans voted to release the files to give themselves political cover, but they will use national security concerns and ersatz investigations to continue shielding themselves and Trump. However, one key takeaway is how the headline doesn’t reflect that reality.
The claim that it “blew up in his face” is contested. Johnson’s actions bought six weeks of stalling, strong-armed Democrats into caving, and now the possible outcomes are either no report, due to the investigation, or a heavily redacted report that is virtually useless.
The argument is that it wasn’t a gamble; it was a carefully played role. He secured votes, released the report to diminish the “pedo protector” label, and ensured it would be ineffective. It’s perceived as a victory for the people involved in the scandal.
The likely outcome, based on the events is that they have won. The report will likely protect Trump and all other potential offenders, via obscurity, or it may not come at all.
There are some that feel there is some fuckery going on and something isn’t right. The swiftness of the vote through the House and the Senate is a point of concern.
The situation is a testament to the lack of consequences. There is frustration that people are not keeping up with the events. The celebration of the vote is not warranted, nor is the headline that suggests that Johnson failed.
The theory is that Trump directed the change of heart, because the scrubbing, redaction, manipulation, and shredding of the files is now complete after the 5 months of stalling. The bill itself explicitly allows Bondi to withhold any incriminating information that is part of an active investigation, which Trump just initiated into Democrats.
The fight continues. Some believe that Republicans are looking for a way out from Trump’s control. While they lack morals and principles, they have been locked in the situation for too long. If they’re looking for an escape, support could collapse. The expectation is the disenfranchisement of the voters.
They are aware it’s a sham. Everyone voted for it, and the expectation is that Republicans will be protected while arrests will start.
There is a theory the cult won’t turn on him and that the fear is that the cult turns on the. Lies. They bought all the time they needed. What a farce. It is all performative. Johnson’s will go down as the dumbest person in American history. “Minnesota Republicans and almost every other Republican were all lined up to vote no, but all changed their mind after President Trump said he now supports the release of the files.”
There is something wrong with the behavior of every single House Republican. Those that complied with Trump should be held accountable and voted out of office.
There is a theory that the GOP hasn’t played all its cards. The Democrats will be the ones that are laughing.
Trump will veto the bill, then the House/Senate won’t get enough votes to override.
They have a plan. They will lie about whatever needs lying about. It’s standard procedure for the GOP. Trump has had control over the files for too long. His name has been redacted.
The process of redactions will be extensive, but there’s no telling who the abusers are, but they are relying on journalists. Trump’s personal law firm may say there are too many to release at once, dragging it out.
The conspiracy is that Mike Johnson moved the vote up because of Thanksgiving.
If Congress adjourns before the 10-day period, the bill will be vetoed and they will have to start the process over again.
Trump reversed course because it’s not going to end his presidency. He’ll call anything that looks bad for him lies, his base will swallow it, and everyone will move on. It’s the same strategy he’s been using.