Rep. Hank Johnson Releases Epstein Files Protest Song Amid Criticism

Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) released a viral video performing a song titled "Release the Epstein Files," set to the tune of Jason Isbell's "Dreamsicle," urging the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein. The video drew widespread criticism for Johnson's off-key singing and guitar playing, with some viewers mocking the performance as "cringeworthy" and questioning the sincerity of Democrats' previous interest in the Epstein case. Johnson's song accuses the Trump administration of withholding information about Epstein, despite the Justice Department and FBI stating there is no evidence of a client list. While some commentators saw the song as a creative, if flawed, protest against political cover-ups, many others viewed it as a tone-deaf attempt to politicize a serious issue. The performance follows Johnson's previous musical efforts to address political topics, including an anti-Trump song, which have similarly attracted mixed reactions. Critics argue that Democrats like Johnson are exploiting the Epstein files controversy for political gain, while Johnson insists he is using music as a new way to reach voters.