Ghislaine Maxwell dangled explosive Epstein secrets before Congress, but only if Trump grants her clemency—leaving elites sweating and justice hanging in the balance.
Story Snapshot
- Maxwell invoked the Fifth Amendment on February 9, 2026, refusing to answer House Oversight questions about Epstein’s network.
- Her attorney offered a “complete account” exonerating Trump and Clinton in exchange for presidential clemency.
- Republicans expressed disappointment over non-cooperation; Democrats called it a clemency campaign.
- Event coincided with lawmakers viewing unredacted DOJ Epstein files, heightening partisan tensions.
Maxwell’s Strategic Silence in Virtual Deposition
Ghislaine Maxwell appeared via video from her minimum-security prison camp in Texas on February 9, 2026. House Oversight Committee lawmakers questioned her about Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking network. She invoked Fifth Amendment rights over 200 times, declining to respond. Her attorney, David Oscar Markus, opened with a statement tying full cooperation to clemency from President Trump. Markus asserted Maxwell witnessed no wrongdoing by Trump or former President Clinton. This refusal stalled the probe into Epstein’s elite connections.
Timeline of Subpoena and Legal Maneuvers
Rep. James Comer issued the subpoena in July 2025 for an August 11 deposition at FCI Tallahassee. Delays followed Maxwell’s failed Supreme Court appeal. Authorities transferred her to Texas. In July 2025, Deputy AG Todd Blanche interviewed her; she denied seeing misconduct by Trump, Clinton, or others. December 2025 brought her New York petition to overturn the conviction citing trial violations. February 9 marked the virtual session where she pleaded the Fifth. Clinton depositions loom later that month.
Partisan Clashes and Stakeholder Motivations
Comer voiced disappointment, stating Maxwell should not receive clemency without cooperating. Rep. Melanie Stansbury called it campaigning for clemency. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam described Maxwell as robotic and unrepentant. Markus countered that only Maxwell holds the complete Epstein account. Democrats suspect Trump favoritism; Republicans prioritize transparency on Epstein enablers. Trump retains sole clemency authority. Victims await closure amid delayed justice. Committee members like Reps. Andy Biggs and Raja Krishnamoorthi navigate these tensions.
Broader Epstein Scandal Context
Epstein abused underage girls for years; Maxwell facilitated as his associate. Courts convicted her in 2021, imposing a 20-year sentence. Epstein died by suicide in 2019. A 2025 law mandated DOJ Epstein file releases; lawmakers viewed unredacted versions on February 9. H.Res.635 from Rep. Krishnamoorthi opposed any Maxwell pardon. This subpoena marks a congressional push against incarcerated figures. It amplifies scrutiny on finance-politics ties in an election year.
Implications for Justice and Politics
Short-term, the standoff halts Oversight progress and widens partisan rifts. Long-term, clemency could reveal Epstein details or fuel elite impunity claims. It pressures Trump while influencing 2026 races, like Biggs’ gubernatorial bid. Social distrust in institutions grows. Common sense aligns with Comer’s view: cooperation precedes leniency. Democrats’ ploy accusations lack bite against Maxwell’s prior DOJ exonerations of key figures. Victims bear the cost of elite gamesmanship.
Sources:
Ghislaine Maxwell declined to answer questions from House committee, citing 5th Amendment rights
Maxwell expected to invoke 5th Amendment in closed virtual House Oversight deposition
