Ghislaine Maxwell Offers to Testify on Epstein If Granted Clemency by Trump

Maxwell's lawyer says she will "speak fully and honestly" about Epstein's crimes if pardoned.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 7:47pm

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Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted sex trafficker and associate of Jeffrey Epstein, has said she will only testify about Epstein's crimes if President Donald Trump grants her clemency. Maxwell's lawyer, David Markus, stated that she is "prepared to speak fully and honestly" about what she knows, including claims that both Trump and former President Bill Clinton are "innocent of any wrongdoing." However, Trump has shown no indication that he is considering pardoning Maxwell, which would be one of the most controversial pardons in U.S. history.

Why it matters

Maxwell's offer to testify in exchange for a pardon raises questions about the extent of her knowledge of Epstein's crimes and the potential involvement of high-profile individuals. Her claims about Trump and Clinton's innocence contradict previous reports about their ties to Epstein. This development could have significant implications for ongoing investigations and public understanding of the Epstein scandal.

The details

During a deposition before the House Oversight Committee on Monday, Maxwell invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and refused to answer questions. Her lawyer, David Markus, then said that Maxwell would only testify if granted clemency by Trump. Markus claimed that Maxwell could "explain why" both Trump and Clinton are "innocent of any wrongdoing." House Oversight Chairman James Comer expressed disappointment at Maxwell's refusal to cooperate, stating that the committee had many questions about the crimes she and Epstein committed, as well as potential co-conspirators.

  • On Monday, Ghislaine Maxwell appeared virtually from prison before the House Oversight Committee.
  • In July 2022, Maxwell met with U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche for multiple hours-long interviews and confirmed that high-profile men, such as Trump and Clinton, had close ties with Epstein.
  • In October 2022, the Supreme Court declined to hear Maxwell's appeal to overturn her conviction.

The players

Ghislaine Maxwell

A convicted sex trafficker and associate of Jeffrey Epstein who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for her role in Epstein's crimes.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who has been linked to Jeffrey Epstein but has not been accused of any wrongdoing related to Epstein's crimes.

Bill Clinton

The former President of the United States, who has also been linked to Jeffrey Epstein but has not been accused of any wrongdoing related to Epstein's crimes.

James Comer

The Republican Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, which is investigating Epstein's crimes and the involvement of potential co-conspirators.

David Markus

Ghislaine Maxwell's lawyer, who stated that she would testify about Epstein's crimes if granted clemency by President Trump.

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What they’re saying

“If this committee and the American public truly want to hear the unfiltered truth about what happened, there is a straightforward path. Ms. Maxwell is prepared to speak fully and honestly if granted clemency by President Trump. 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.”

— David Markus, Ghislaine Maxwell's lawyer

“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 for the American people and justice for survivors.”

— James Comer, House Oversight Committee Chairman

What’s next

The House Oversight Committee is scheduled to question former President Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton later this month about their ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

The takeaway

Ghislaine Maxwell's offer to testify in exchange for a pardon from President Trump highlights the ongoing efforts to uncover the full truth about Jeffrey Epstein's crimes and the potential involvement of high-profile individuals. However, Trump has shown no indication that he is considering such a controversial pardon, raising questions about Maxwell's motivations and the extent of her knowledge.