WASHINGTON — Ghislaine Maxwell, the former girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein, declined to answer questions from House lawmakers in a deposition Monday, but indicated that if President Donald Trump ended her prison sentence, she was willing to testify that neither he nor former President Bill Clinton had done anything wrong in their connections with Epstein.
Maxwell repeatedly invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination during the closed-door virtual deposition before the House Oversight Committee, according to video released by Chairman James Comer. She is currently serving a 20-year sentence at a federal prison in Texas.
“I invoke my Fifth Amendment right to silence,” Maxwell stated more than a dozen times, refusing to answer questions about the investigation into Epstein and his alleged crimes, Comer said after the deposition.
Through her attorney, David Oscar Markus, Maxwell signaled a willingness to cooperate fully – but only if granted clemency by President Trump. “If this Committee and the American public truly want to hear the unfiltered truth about what happened, there is a straightforward path,” Markus said in a statement. “Ms. Maxwell is prepared to speak fully and honestly if granted clemency by President Trump. Only she can provide the complete account.”
Markus further stated that Maxwell could explain why both Trump and Clinton “are innocent of any wrongdoing,” and that “the public is entitled to that explanation.”
The deposition comes as lawmakers continue to investigate the handling of the Epstein case and the extent of his network of enablers. The House Oversight Committee is also pursuing depositions from Clinton and Hillary Clinton later this month.
Comer expressed disappointment with Maxwell’s refusal to cooperate, stating, “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 to the American people and justice for the survivors.”
The move to offer testimony in exchange for clemency drew criticism from some lawmakers. Democratic Rep. Melanie Stansbury described it as “a brazen effort” to campaign for release from prison.
The White House has not commented directly on Maxwell’s request for clemency, referring to previous statements from the president indicating the matter was not under consideration.
Republicans also voiced opposition to granting Maxwell clemency. Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna wrote on social media, “NO CLEMENCY. You comply or face punishment. You deserve JUSTICE for what you did you monster.”
Maxwell is also pursuing a legal challenge to her conviction, arguing that her trial was unfair. The Supreme Court previously rejected her appeal, but she has filed a new petition citing “substantial new evidence” of constitutional violations.
Meanwhile, lawmakers have begun reviewing unredacted versions of documents related to Epstein released by the Justice Department. Republican Rep. Thomas Massie reported finding the names of six men who “are likely incriminated by their inclusion” in the files and called for the Justice Department to pursue accountability.
The release of the files has also sparked political fallout internationally, including in the United Kingdom, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing scrutiny over his former ambassador’s ties to Epstein.
Democrats have expressed concern that prominent U.S. Political figures appear to be avoiding scrutiny. Rep. Jamie Raskin noted the sheer volume of documents – over 3 million – making a comprehensive review a lengthy process.
The Justice Department is facing criticism for failing to fully redact the personal information of Epstein’s victims from the released files, including inadvertently releasing nude photos. Attorney Jennifer Freeman, representing survivors, described the errors as “incompetent, intimidating, and intentional.”
