Maxwell Invokes Fifth, Offers Testimony in Exchange for Trump Clemency
– Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted associate of Jeffrey Epstein, invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination during a closed-door virtual deposition with the House Oversight Committee on Monday. However, through her attorney, Maxwell signaled a willingness to provide testimony regarding both Epstein and other prominent figures – including former Presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton – if granted clemency by President Trump.
Maxwell, currently serving a 20-year sentence for her role in Epstein’s sex trafficking crimes, remained silent throughout the deposition, according to committee chairman James Comer. Comer expressed disappointment, stating the committee had “many questions to ask about the crimes she and Epstein committed, as well as questions about potential co-conspirators.” The committee has scheduled five additional depositions as part of its ongoing investigation into Epstein’s network, including Les Wexner, Richard Kahn and Darren Indyke.
David Markus, Maxwell’s attorney, delivered a statement on her behalf, explaining her decision to remain silent was due to a pending legal petition in federal court. However, Markus explicitly offered a path forward for Maxwell’s cooperation. “If this committee and the American public truly want to hear the unfiltered truth about what happened, there is a straightforward path,” Markus said. “Ms. Maxwell is prepared to speak fully and honestly if granted clemency by President Trump.”
Markus further asserted that Maxwell possesses unique knowledge regarding the innocence of both Trump and Clinton in any wrongdoing related to Epstein. “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 is entitled to that explanation,” he stated.
The offer of testimony in exchange for clemency has drawn criticism from some lawmakers. Comer indicated he does not believe Maxwell should receive immunity or clemency. Democrats have accused Maxwell of actively campaigning for a pardon from Trump, with Representative Suhas Subramanyam calling her “a monster” who should remain incarcerated.
Maxwell’s case has been marked by controversy. She was transferred to a minimum-security prison camp last year after participating in an interview with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, during which she reportedly stated she did not witness any inappropriate behavior by Trump or Clinton. This transfer, however, was reportedly contrary to standard protocols for convicted sex offenders.
Trump has not publicly addressed the possibility of a pardon for Maxwell, stating in November that he hadn’t “thought about it for months” and doesn’t “rule it in or out.” The House Oversight Committee is also scheduled to hear from Bill and Hillary Clinton later this month as part of its investigation.
The committee’s inquiry aims to uncover the full extent of Epstein’s network and the involvement of individuals who may have facilitated his crimes. Maxwell’s potential testimony, contingent on clemency, represents a significant, though uncertain, opportunity to gain further insight into this complex case.
