Trump administration summons Republican lawmaker to White House due to Epstein files petition: Report

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Trump administration summoned Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert to the White House to pressure her not to sign a petition on releasing Justice Department files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, The New York Times reported Wednesday.

Top Justice Department and FBI officials, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel, attended the private session in the Situation Room, according to the report that cited those familiar with the matter.

The representative from the state of Colorado was one of three Republican women who signed a petition to compel a House of Representatives vote on the release of the files.

US President Donald Trump personally engaged in the campaign, calling Boebert early Tuesday and attempted to reach another Republican signatory, Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina, according to the news outlet.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed the meeting with Boebert, describing it as an example of the administration's "transparency" and willingness to "address their concerns."

House Speaker Mike Johnson is expected to swear in Democratic Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva on Wednesday, who is more than likely to become the 218th member needed to advance a discharge petition, compelling the House to vote on making all records related to Epstein publicly available.

The White House dismissed allegations from released Epstein estate emails that allegedly refer to Trump concerning his knowledge of Epstein's crimes, calling them attempts by Democrats to "smear President Trump."