House Speaker Criticizes Justice Department for Tracking Lawmakers Reviewing Epstein Files

House Speaker Mike Johnson is criticizing the Justice Department after learning it tracked lawmakers’ search activity while they reviewed unredacted Jeffrey Epstein case documents.

Johnson said members of Congress should be able to review materials independently and without monitoring, calling the tracking inappropriate. His comments mark a rare break with the administration on an issue involving federal oversight.

The controversy surfaced after notes from Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared to show search activity from Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal while she reviewed the documents. Jayapal said she was unaware the department had recorded her search history and called the monitoring a violation of the separation of powers.

Lawmakers have been given limited access to review the unredacted Epstein files at a Justice Department facility in Washington. The review process includes strict rules — members cannot bring phones or staff, and access is limited to a small number of computers. Justice Department personnel remain in the room during the review.

A department spokesperson said all searches are logged to prevent the release of sensitive victim information. However, several lawmakers from both parties say the monitoring raises serious concerns about privacy and congressional independence.

Some lawmakers are now calling for changes to how the review process is handled, arguing members of Congress should be able to examine documents without fear their activity could be tracked or used against them.

The issue has also sparked broader debate about transparency, oversight and the balance of power between Congress and federal agencies.

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