Arizona AG Sues House Speaker Johnson Over Dem Swearing Delay Amid Epstein Vote Dispute

House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing intense criticism and a lawsuit for delaying the swearing-in of Adelita Grijalva, a Democrat elected in a special election to fill her late father's seat. Johnson claims his decision follows procedural norms and the "Pelosi precedent" of waiting to swear in members during recess or shutdown periods, but critics and journalists have highlighted inconsistencies, noting he previously swore in Republican members under similar conditions. Democrats accuse Johnson of blocking Grijalva's oath to prevent her from joining a bipartisan discharge petition that aims to force a House vote on releasing the full FBI files related to Jeffrey Epstein, a move reportedly opposed by former President Trump. The delay is seen by some analysts as part of a broader effort to suppress information tied to Epstein and protect Trump, who has faced legal judgments related to sexual misconduct. Despite the ongoing government shutdown, the Senate continues legislative activity, intensifying scrutiny on Johnson's refusal to convene the House to swear in Grijalva. Johnson continues to deny political motives, maintaining the delay is procedural, though his explanations have been widely challenged in media interviews.