In a dramatic turn of events, US House Speaker Mike Johnson brought proceedings to an early halt on Tuesday, effectively blocking a scheduled vote on whether to release documents related to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The unexpected adjournment pushes the politically sensitive matter to September, despite increasing bipartisan calls for transparency.

The move came just hours after a congressional committee approved a subpoena for Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate, to testify before lawmakers.

There is mounting pressure from both Democrats and some Republicans, including supporters of President Donald Trump, to make Epstein-related files public within 30 days.

Before the abrupt recess, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) had formally requested a meeting with Maxwell. In a brief statement to the BBC, her legal team confirmed ongoing discussions with the government and stated that she would “always testify truthfully.”

While defending his decision, Johnson accused Democrats of playing politics and said, “We’re done being lectured on transparency.”

The early summer break gives the Speaker time to manage internal tensions among Republicans, many of whom are divided on how far disclosures in the Epstein case should go.

Trump’s Make America Great Again (Maga) faction has become increasingly vocal in its criticism of the DOJ and FBI.

The frustration was reignited by the Justice Department’s conclusion earlier this month that Epstein did not possess a “client list” implicating high-profile individuals, and that he died by suicide in 2019 while in custody.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who served as Trump’s attorney during his 2024 criminal trial, backed the finding and said, “This Department of Justice does not shy away from uncomfortable truths, nor from the responsibility to pursue justice wherever the facts may lead.” Blanche confirmed that authorities intend to meet Maxwell “soon.”

“If Ghislaine Maxwell has information about anyone who has committed crimes against victims, the FBI and the DOJ will hear what she has to say,” he added.

Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence for assisting Epstein in the abuse of minors, has remained a key figure in the continuing probe.

President Trump, addressing reporters at the White House, called the move to interview Maxwell “appropriate” and added, “I don’t know anything about it.”

Some voices within Trump’s base, including far-right commentator Laura Loomer, have expressed scepticism about the DOJ’s approach.

“I guess what I want to know is whether the DOJ is basically saying they have never met with Ghislaine Maxwell to ask her or interview her about whether she has information about sex crimes committed against minors,” Loomer posted online.

Last week, Trump instructed Attorney General Pam Bondi to request the release of all relevant grand jury testimony in the Epstein case.

Maxwell’s lawyer David Oscar Markus welcomed the directive, saying, “We are grateful to President Trump for his commitment to uncovering the truth in this case.”

Earlier this year, Maxwell had appealed to the Supreme Court to review her conviction, but the DOJ urged the justices to reject her petition.

During her 2022 trial, four women testified that Epstein abused them as minors at his properties in Florida, New York, New Mexico, and the Virgin Islands. One of them, Annie Farmer, told the BBC this week that the prolonged legal and political wrangling over the case has been emotionally draining.

“The rollercoaster of this saga is a real weight on victims,” she said, noting that the focus has remained too much on the accused and not enough on bringing closure to the survivors.