Key Takeaways

• House Speaker Mike Johnson ducked a question about swearing in Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva.
• The delay in her oath comes as the government shutdown drags on.
• Critics say Johnson is stalling to block release of the Epstein files.
• High-profile Democrats slammed his move on social media.
• Grijalva may file suit to force her seating and end the delay.

House Speaker Mike Johnson faced a reporter’s question about when he would swear in Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva. Instead of answering, he walked away. This moment set off a firestorm of criticism. Some Democrats say his actions aim to block the release of the Epstein files. They argue he wants to keep key evidence from public view.

Adelita Grijalva won her race to fill the seat of her late father, Rep. Raúl Grijalva. Yet she sits outside the House chamber because Republicans have not sworn her in. The holdout comes amid a partial government shutdown. And it has sharpened focus on a push to free documents related to Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking case.

Why the Epstein files matter now

Jeffrey Epstein faced years of accusations that he led a network of underage sex trafficking. After his death, victims and lawmakers fought to make court files public. A discharge petition led by Rep. Thomas Massie seeks to force a vote on reporting those files. It needs 218 signatures to move forward. Adelita Grijalva can help reach that number. However, if she remains unofficial, she cannot sign.

Critics believe Speaker Johnson is using her swearing-in as leverage. They say he wants to stall the petition. In effect, this would keep the Epstein files hidden. The public would not see potentially critical testimony or documents. For many, transparency in this case is a matter of justice and accountability.

Reactions from Democrats

Moments after Johnson walked away on Tuesday, social media lit up with criticism:

• Gov. Gavin Newsom called the scene “pathetic.”
• Rep. Jason Crow insisted Republicans aim to “cover up” the Epstein files.
• Nick Frisone argued that Grijalva or her constituents could sue, since Arizonans lack representation.
• Tiffany Muller accused Johnson of shielding “creepy elites” by denying voters their choice.
• Amee Vanderpool urged the public to keep demanding the release of the Epstein files.
• Sen. Ruben Gallego blasted the GOP, accusing them of protecting “pedophiles.”

Together, these voices paint a picture of a public fed up with political games at the expense of truth.

Adelita Grijalva’s fight

Adelita Grijalva is no stranger to public service. Her father served Arizona for nearly twenty years before passing away after battling cancer. She won last month’s election by a healthy margin. Yet she remains in limbo. Because of the shutdown, any new members can only be sworn in if the House has enough funding to operate.

Grijalva has joined calls for a swift resolution. She also raised the possibility that blocking her is tied to the Epstein files issue. She said she is ready to sign the discharge petition as soon as she takes the oath. Meanwhile, her district in southern Arizona is without an official voice in Washington.

Potential legal action

Some Democrats suggest filing a lawsuit to force Johnson’s hand. They say the delay denies voters their chosen representative. A court could potentially order the Speaker to swear in Grijalva. If successful, she could immediately add her name to the petition for the Epstein files.

However, suing the Speaker of the House is a complex process. Courts rarely intervene in internal Congressional matters. Still, pressure from lawsuits could spur negotiations. At the least, it would keep the story in the headlines.

What comes next

As the shutdown grinds on, the spotlight remains on Johnson’s next move. Lawmakers could pass a short-term funding bill to reopen the government. If they do, Grijalva can be sworn in. Then she can vote on the discharge petition.

Alternatively, public outcry might push Johnson to relent even without a legal order. Grassroots campaigns and media coverage could force a compromise. In the end, the fate of the Epstein files—and the rights of Arizona voters—may hinge on this standoff.

Only time will tell whether Johnson will allow Adelita Grijalva to take her seat. And only then can the House move forward on the controversial Epstein files.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Epstein files and why do they matter?

The Epstein files include court records and witness statements from Jeffrey Epstein’s legal cases. Many believe they hold vital proof of how he operated. Releasing them would give the public a clearer view of his network.

Why is Adelita Grijalva’s swearing-in delayed?

A partial government shutdown has paused the swearing in of new members. Without enough funding to fully operate, the House can’t seat fresh representatives. That keeps Grijalva from officially taking office.

What is a discharge petition?

A discharge petition is a tool in the House that lets members force a vote on a bill or resolution. Rep. Thomas Massie’s petition aims to require a vote on releasing the Epstein files. He needs signatures from a majority of House members.

Could Grijalva file a lawsuit to take her seat?

Some Democrats suggest she or her constituents could sue, claiming voters lack representation. Legal experts say courts rarely challenge internal congressional rules. Still, a lawsuit could increase pressure on Speaker Johnson to act.