Atlanta, February 10, 2026
Ghislaine Maxwell, implicated in Jeffrey Epstein’s trafficking network, invoked her Fifth Amendment right during a deposition. She offered to testify about Trump’s and Clinton’s innocence if granted clemency by Trump, amidst ongoing investigations into Epstein’s associates. Lawmakers expressed disappointment at her silence, highlighting tensions between justice and potential political maneuvering surrounding the case.
Atlanta
Ghislaine Maxwell, a central figure in the sex trafficking network of Jeffrey Epstein, invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination on Monday, refusing to answer questions during a virtual deposition before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. Through her lawyer, David Markus, Ms. Maxwell subsequently offered to provide a full account of events, asserting she would testify that both former President Donald Trump and former President Bill Clinton are innocent of any wrongdoing, if President Trump were to grant her clemency. This proposal emerged as lawmakers seek to uncover the facilitators of Epstein’s long-standing abuses, drawing a clear line between potential testimony and a request for a presidential pardon.
Deposition and Clemency Offer
The closed-door deposition, conducted via video link from the federal prison camp in Texas where Ms. Maxwell is serving her sentence, saw her repeatedly state her invocation of the Fifth Amendment right to silence. This stance, while anticipated, left members of the committee with unanswered questions. Mr. Markus, in a statement delivered during the proceedings and later shared publicly, clarified that Ms. Maxwell’s silence was necessitated by a pending legal challenge to her conviction, which her team contends was the result of a fundamentally unfair trial.
The heart of Ms. Maxwell’s offer lies in her lawyer’s assertion that “Ms. Maxwell is prepared to speak fully and honestly if granted clemency by President Trump.” The lawyer emphasized that “Only she can provide the complete account,” extending the claim that Ms. Maxwell alone could “explain why” both President Trump and President Clinton are innocent of any wrongdoing related to Jeffrey Epstein. This direct appeal for clemency in exchange for testimony suggests a strategic maneuver within the complex legal landscape surrounding the Epstein revelations, touching upon the delicate balance between accountability and the pursuit of further truths.
Congressional Response and Broader Context
Following the deposition, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer expressed disappointment that Ms. Maxwell chose to invoke her Fifth Amendment rights, noting the committee’s extensive questions regarding crimes committed and potential co-conspirators. Democratic members of the committee interpreted the offer as a clear campaign for clemency, highlighting the perceived quid pro quo inherent in the proposition. The committee’s investigation continues, with several other depositions scheduled as part of its ongoing probe into the network that enabled Epstein’s activities.
The call for clemency from Ms. Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence for her role in conspiring with Jeffrey Epstein to sexually abuse minors, adds another layer to the enduring saga of the Epstein case. It brings into sharp focus the extraordinary power of presidential clemency and the profound implications of such an action on public trust and the pursuit of justice for victims. The pathway to understanding, for those who seek clarity in the shadows of the past, now seems to run through a decision of significant moral and legal weight.
Historical Overview and Related Developments
President Trump has previously addressed the possibility of pardoning Ms. Maxwell. In July 2025, he stated that while he was “allowed to give her a pardon,” discussing it then would be “inappropriate”. Further, in October (presumably 2025), he indicated a willingness to “take a look at it” and consult the Justice Department. These past remarks underscore the long-standing public interest in any potential connections between Epstein’s network and prominent individuals.
Ms. Maxwell’s transfer to a minimum-security prison camp in Texas following a meeting with a Deputy Attorney General, a former personal lawyer for President Trump, had previously fueled speculation regarding preferential treatment. The intertwining of legal processes with political considerations continues to invite scrutiny and reflection. One victim of Jeffrey Epstein has already publicly condemned Ms. Maxwell’s plea for clemency, underscoring the deep human wounds that these events have inflicted and the paramount importance of ensuring that justice, in its fullest sense, is served. The quest for truth in this intricate matter remains a poignant and necessary endeavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during Ghislaine Maxwell’s deposition on Monday?
During a virtual deposition before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on Monday, February 9, 2026, Ghislaine Maxwell invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, refusing to answer questions.
What offer did Ghislaine Maxwell’s lawyer make?
Ghislaine Maxwell’s lawyer, David Markus, stated that Ms. Maxwell is prepared to speak fully and honestly if President Donald Trump grants her clemency.
What would Ghislaine Maxwell testify to in exchange for clemency?
In exchange for clemency, Ghislaine Maxwell would testify that President Donald Trump and former President Bill Clinton are innocent of any wrongdoing related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Why did Ghislaine Maxwell invoke her Fifth Amendment right?
Ghislaine Maxwell’s lawyer cited a pending legal petition, specifically a habeas petition, arguing that her conviction rests on a fundamentally unfair trial, as the reason for her invoking the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.
What was the House Oversight Committee’s reaction to Ghislaine Maxwell’s refusal to testify?
Chairman James Comer expressed disappointment that Ghislaine Maxwell took the Fifth, stating the committee had many questions about crimes and potential co-conspirators. Democrats on the committee viewed the offer as campaigning for clemency.
What is Ghislaine Maxwell’s current legal status?
Ghislaine Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence for conspiring with Jeffrey Epstein to sexually abuse minors.
Key Features of the Clemency Offer
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Offer | Monday, February 9, 2026 | Nationwide |
| Party Making Offer | Ghislaine Maxwell, through her lawyer David Markus | Nationwide |
| Condition for Testimony | Grant of clemency by President Donald Trump | Nationwide |
| Subject of Testimony | Claims of innocence for President Donald Trump and former President Bill Clinton regarding Jeffrey Epstein-related wrongdoing | Nationwide |
| Reason for Initial Silence | Invocation of Fifth Amendment right due to pending habeas petition contesting conviction validity | Nationwide |
| Maxwell’s Current Sentence | 20-year sentence for conspiring with Jeffrey Epstein to sexually abuse minors | Nationwide |
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