Overview

• In a July 14 CNN News Central appearance, Rep. Mike Lawler called ongoing media focus on Jeffrey Epstein “a colossal waste of time and effort” and dismissed it as “nonsense.”
• Lawler emphasized that he opposes conspiracy theories but insisted that only those who committed crimes related to Epstein should face prosecution.
• CNN anchor John Berman reported that FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino took last Friday off in protest of the Justice Department’s handling of the revived Epstein investigation.
• Berman also cited multiple reported shouting matches among senior White House officials over how the probe should proceed.
• Despite GOP efforts to downplay coverage, insiders say unresolved dissent within the Justice Department, FBI leadership and the White House continues to complicate the investigation’s path.