Ghislaine Maxwell Appeals for Clemency, Declines to Answer Questions

The former Epstein associate cites Fifth Amendment in House deposition, offers to testify Trump and Clinton did nothing wrong if granted clemency.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Ghislaine Maxwell, the former girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein, declined to answer questions from House lawmakers in a deposition on Monday, invoking her Fifth Amendment rights. However, Maxwell's attorney indicated that if President Donald Trump granted her clemency, she would be willing to testify that neither Trump nor former President Bill Clinton had done anything wrong in their relationships with Epstein. Democrats criticized Maxwell's appeal for clemency as a 'brazen effort' to have her prison sentence ended.

Why it matters

The House Oversight Committee is investigating how Epstein, a well-connected financier, was able to sexually abuse underage girls for years. Lawmakers are searching for anyone connected to Epstein who may have facilitated his abuse. Maxwell's refusal to cooperate and her offer to testify in exchange for clemency has raised new questions about the extent of her involvement and the potential culpability of high-profile figures like Trump and Clinton.

The details

During the closed-door deposition, Maxwell's attorney told lawmakers that if Trump granted her clemency, she would be willing to testify that neither Trump nor Clinton were culpable for wrongdoing. Democrats described this as a 'brazen effort' by Maxwell to have Trump end her 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking. Maxwell has also been seeking to have her conviction overturned, arguing that she was wrongfully convicted.

  • On Monday, February 10, 2026, Ghislaine Maxwell declined to answer questions from House lawmakers in a deposition.

The players

Ghislaine Maxwell

The former girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein who is serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States.

Bill Clinton

The former President of the United States.

David Oscar Markus

Ghislaine Maxwell's attorney.

Rep. Melanie Stansbury

A Democratic member of the House Oversight Committee.

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What they’re saying

“Maxwell is prepared to speak fully and honestly if granted clemency by President Trump.”

— David Oscar Markus, Ghislaine Maxwell's attorney

“It's very clear she's campaigning for clemency.”

— Rep. Melanie Stansbury, Democratic member of the House Oversight Committee

What’s next

The House Oversight Committee will continue to investigate Epstein's abuse and the potential involvement of high-profile figures. Lawmakers have subpoenaed Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to testify later this month, though the format of those depositions is still being negotiated.

The takeaway

Ghislaine Maxwell's appeal for clemency in exchange for testimony about Trump and Clinton's ties to Epstein highlights the ongoing efforts to uncover the full scope of the financier's abuse and the potential culpability of powerful individuals. The case continues to raise questions about how Epstein was able to evade justice for so long and the extent of Maxwell's own role in facilitating his crimes.