Speaker Johnson Vanishes from Louisiana Trail, Reappears in Israel

House Speaker Mike Johnson set out for a walk in his Louisiana district amid the congressional recess he had called early.

The move came after he declined to allow a vote on releasing files from federal probes into Jeffrey Epstein, citing the need for lawmakers to focus on district work.

Johnson recounted the incident while in Jerusalem, where he unexpectedly appeared. "I was hiking a trail back home, chatting with a donor about local priorities," he told local media.

The Epstein documents include records of Epstein's associations with prominent figures, prompting demands for public disclosure from both parties. Johnson has maintained that such matters require careful handling to avoid partisan divisions.

The donor, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the moment.

"One minute we're deep in conversation about infrastructure needs, and the next, he's just gone—like he stepped through a door I couldn't see."

Authorities in Louisiana briefly searched the area after reports of the disappearance surfaced. No traces were found, but images soon circulated showing Johnson at the Western Wall.

"It's the strangest thing. One minute I'm doing exactly what I promised to do and then, suddenly, I'm wearing a kippah and kissing this sacred site," Johnson explained during his visit.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar hosted Johnson for discussions on bilateral ties. The Speaker also visited a West Bank settlement, reaffirming U.S. support for Israel's security.

Johnson signed the guest book at the Western Wall with a message of solidarity. "May God continue to bless and protect the people of Israel and its greatest friend and ally, the USA," he wrote.

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