Ghislaine Maxwell appeared at a congressional hearing via video link from a Texas prison, where she declined to answer questions about her late associate Jeffrey Epstein. The hearing follows the recent release of over three million documents that have provided new insight into the crimes committed by Epstein and Maxwell. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence, but her lawyer used the hearing to openly push for a presidential pardon from Donald Trump.
Republican House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer noted that Maxwell invoked her Fifth Amendment rights, choosing to remain silent, as many expected. Her attorney, David Oscar Markus, stated that she is willing to speak “fully and honestly” about Epstein but only if granted clemency by President Trump. Trump has consistently denied any involvement with Epstein and has not faced any charges in connection to the case, although his name appears several times in the Epstein files.
During the hearing, Maxwell was asked, “Are you aware of Donald Trump ever engaging in sexual activity with an individual introduced to him by you or Jeffrey Epstein?” She replied, “I invoke my 5th Amendment right.” Markus later emphasized that Maxwell could provide evidence supporting the innocence of both Trump and former President Bill Clinton. He said, “Maxwell is prepared to speak fully and honestly if granted clemency. Only she can provide the complete account. Some may not like what they hear, but the truth matters. For example, both President Trump and President Clinton are innocent of any wrongdoing. Ms. Maxwell alone can explain why, and the public deserves that explanation.”
For more context on Maxwell’s willingness to cooperate under clemency, readers can refer to this detailed analysis of her congressional appearance. Additionally, other sources have explored how her testimony could affect Trump’s public image, highlighting the political stakes involved.
Democratic Representative Melanie Stansbury criticized Maxwell’s approach, suggesting that her silence was a deliberate attempt to leverage clemency. She stated, “It is very clear that she used this opportunity not only to campaign for clemency but also to send a direct message that her silence can be bought.”
Meanwhile, Chairman Comer expressed disappointment over Maxwell’s refusal to answer questions about her crimes and potential co-conspirators. He said, “We had many questions to ask about the crimes she and Epstein committed, as well as questions about potential co-conspirators. We sincerely want to get to the truth for the American people, and justice for the survivors that’s what this investigation is about.”
Maxwell was convicted in New York in 2021 for assisting Epstein in recruiting and abusing underage girls. Epstein was arrested in 2019 but died in a Manhattan jail while awaiting trial; his death was ruled a suicide. For additional coverage of the Epstein case and its ongoing political fallout, see this follow-up report.
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