Braun calls for 'full transparency' on Epstein files

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun said on Thursday he thought the American public deserved “full transparency” when it came to files related to the death of the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, who died in custody while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Speaking from the Statehouse, Braun also touched on immigration.

“I think the (U.S. House) Speaker (Mike Johnson) and the Trump administration are out there now where they’re for it, fully,” said Braun, a former member of the U.S. Senate. “I think they kind of were all along. It begs the question, why wasn’t that done in the prior four years?”

Epstein died in 2019, during the first term of President Donald Trump, who had a long friendship with the convicted sex offender — as did former President Bill Clinton. Recent reporting from several sources indicates that U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has told Trump he’s in those files. Recently, Trump moved to release grand jury testimony but a judge denied that motion.

The U.S. House adjourned early this week to avoid a vote on releasing the files after House Democrats made repeated efforts to get Republicans on-the-record.

“Now it seems like it’s got a heavy political overtone to it, but I’m for full transparency,” Braun said in a media gaggle back in Indianapolis. “I think we’re going to get it. I think the American public deserves it; we’ll wait and see.” 

Chatting for just over 15 minutes, Braun also praised Trump for his larger approach to immigration and border security — compliments that come shortly after the federal government revealed it will house immigrants at Camp Atterbury in southern Indiana. Details about when Immigration and Customs Enforcement might use the base aren’t yet finalized.

“I wouldn’t entertain it unless (humane treatment) was the case,” he said in response to a question. Some immigrants held at a Florida facility have alleged inhumane and unsanitary conditions, though the camps aren’t usually accessible to the general public.

“I’ve been clear: I’m for helping remove criminals after they came in here illegally, and some of the egregious ones we’d all agree with,” Braun said. “… Here in our state, we’re going to do what I said I’d do from the get-go: the worst, first, and going after ones that broke the law once they came into the country illegally. And that’s to the extent that I’m going to be willing to help.” 

A Thursday story from Axios Indianapolis reported that, in June, one-quarter of people arrested by ICE in Indiana had no criminal background — undermining Braun’s emphasis on only arresting those with a record. 

“If that data is correct, I’d say that should raise eyebrows,” Braun said. “Because I’ve been clearly on record: the worst, first. And there are many of them out there.”

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