President Trump announces Japan trade deal as pressure mounts over Epstein files
President Donald Trump met overnight with Republican members of Congress, using the closed-door gathering to announce a long-anticipated trade agreement with Japan.
(NBC)- President Donald Trump met overnight with Republican members of Congress, using the closed-door gathering to announce a long-anticipated trade agreement with Japan — a deal that imposes 15% tariffs on Japanese imports into the U.S.
“We worked on it long and hard. And it’s a great deal for everybody,” Trump said.
The president also thanked GOP lawmakers for their ongoing loyalty, calling them “allies” during the meeting. But the celebration came amid growing tension on Capitol Hill. The House of Representatives abruptly adjourned for its summer recess, delaying key votes pushed by Democrats — and some Republicans — demanding the release of the full files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
“We are not going to let them use this as a political battering ram,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA).
The debate over Epstein’s files has divided the Republican Party, with several members of Trump’s MAGA base leading the charge for full disclosure. In a statement posted online, the Deputy Attorney General revealed that the Justice Department plans to meet with Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
“President Trump has told us to release all credible evidence. If Ghislaine Maxwell has information about anyone who committed crimes against victims, the FBI and DOJ will hear what she has to say,” the statement read.
President Trump said he hadn’t been briefed on the meeting but indicated support for the effort. At the same time, Trump sought to distance himself from the controversy, calling the renewed attention to Epstein’s connections a “witch hunt.”
Meanwhile, the House Oversight Committee voted to subpoena Maxwell’s testimony, as some Republicans voiced concern that failing to act could harm the party politically.
“He’s eroding his base,” warned Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY). “More importantly, if we don’t take the right side of this issue, it’s going to cost us votes in the midterms.”
