Ghislaine Maxwell Seeks Trump Clemency, Refuses to Answer NPR Questions
Ghislaine Maxwell, the former associate of Jeffrey Epstein, is seeking clemency from President Donald Trump while refusing to answer lawmakers’ questions about her involvement in Epstein’s sex trafficking operations. On February 9, 2026, Maxwell participated in a closed-door deposition with the House Oversight Committee but invoked her Fifth Amendment rights to avoid self-incrimination.
Maxwell’s Deposition and Clemency Appeal
During the deposition, Maxwell stated her willingness to testify that neither Trump nor former President Bill Clinton acted inappropriately in their interactions with Epstein, contingent on receiving clemency from Trump. She is currently serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking at a federal prison camp in Texas.
Maxwell’s attorney, David Oscar Markus, asserted that she is eager to provide a full account if granted clemency, emphasizing the innocence of both Trump and Clinton regarding any wrongdoing. However, this appeal for clemency has faced significant backlash from lawmakers.
Political Reactions
- Rep. Melanie Stansbury, a Democrat from New Mexico, labeled Maxwell’s request as a blatant attempt to secure a pardon.
- Rep. Anna Paulina Luna tweeted her staunch opposition, insisting that Maxwell must face justice for her actions.
Furthermore, the White House signaled that a pardon for Maxwell is not currently being considered by Trump.
Maxwell’s Legal Struggles
In addition to seeking clemency, Maxwell is attempting to overturn her conviction, having claimed she was wrongfully convicted. The Supreme Court rejected her appeal last year, but she has since requested a federal judge in New York to review what her legal team calls “substantial new evidence.”
Her efforts to testify come amidst an ongoing investigation into Epstein’s network, which has implicated various high-profile individuals, though no credible accusations have been leveled against Trump or Clinton.
Investigative Developments
Lawmakers have been gathering evidence about Epstein’s operations and have pushed for accountability. Recently, several members of Congress accessed unredacted files related to Epstein as mandated by a new law. This led to a review of over 3 million documents that could reveal further connections and potential wrongdoing by Epstein’s associates.
Despite the ongoing investigations, many Democratic lawmakers have expressed frustration over the lack of repercussions faced by political figures linked to Epstein, with Rep. Jamie Raskin highlighting concerns about public indifference towards these serious issues.
Overall, Maxwell’s deposition and her request for Trump’s clemency continue to stir considerable political discourse as investigations into Epstein’s abuse carry on.
