Ghislaine Maxwell Refuses Congressional Testimony, Seeks Presidential Clemency
In a highly anticipated video deposition on Monday, Ghislaine Maxwell, the former accomplice of convicted sex offender Jeffery Epstein, invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and declined to answer questions from members of Congress. Appearing remotely from the minimum-security prison camp where she is serving a 20-year sentence, Maxwell indicated through her attorney that she would only provide testimony if granted clemency by former President Donald Trump.
Maxwell's Attorney Links Cooperation to Trump's Clemency
David Markus, Maxwell's attorney, stated in an opening statement posted on social media that "Ms. Maxwell is prepared to speak fully and honestly if granted clemency by President Trump." This declaration framed the deposition as a conditional offer, tying Maxwell's cooperation directly to potential presidential intervention in her prison term.
Democratic Outrage Over Pardon Negotiations
Democrats on the committee expressed immediate outrage, accusing Maxwell of advertising favorable testimony in exchange for a pardon or commutation of her sentence. Representative Suhas Subramanyam, a Democrat from Virginia, told reporters, "She is campaigning over and over again to get that pardon from President Trump, and this president has not ruled it out, and so that is why she's continuing to not cooperate with our investigation." He added, "The reality is that she is a monster. She should be behind bars."
Background on Maxwell's Conviction and Trump's Involvement
Maxwell was sentenced to 240 months in prison in 2022 for her role in helping Epstein recruit, groom, and abuse girls as young as 14. Her case has drawn significant political attention due to her connections with high-profile figures. In 2020, when Maxwell was first charged—a year after Epstein died in prison while facing sex trafficking charges—Trump, a former friend of Epstein's, publicly stated he wished her well.
Previous Interviews and Statements on Trump and Clinton
Last year, Maxwell was transferred to a minimum-security prison camp after participating in a transcribed interview with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. During that interview, she asserted that she never witnessed inappropriate behavior by Trump or former President Bill Clinton, both of whom socialized with Epstein and traveled on his private jet. Maxwell's attorney reiterated this point in the recent deposition, stating, "For example, both President Trump and President Clinton are innocent of any wrongdoing. Ms. Maxwell alone can explain why, and the public is entitled to that explanation."
Congressional Disappointment and Future Depositions
Representative James Comer, the Republican chair of the House Oversight Committee, expressed disappointment at Maxwell's refusal to testify. "We had many questions to ask about the crimes she and Epstein committed, as well as questions about potential co-conspirators," Comer said. The committee is scheduled to depose Bill and Hillary Clinton later this month, adding to the ongoing investigation into Epstein's network.
This deposition highlights the complex interplay between legal proceedings, political figures, and the pursuit of justice in high-profile cases involving sexual abuse and elite connections.
