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Ghislaine Maxwell Seeks Clemency from Trump in Exchange for Testimony
Convicted sex trafficker offers to clear Trump of wrongdoing if granted clemency
Published on Feb. 9, 2026
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Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted sex trafficker and former business partner of Jeffrey Epstein, has offered to testify and clear President Donald Trump of wrongdoing if granted clemency. Maxwell refused to answer lawmakers' questions during a virtual deposition, invoking her Fifth Amendment right, but her attorney stated that she would be willing to provide an explanation for why both Trump and former President Bill Clinton "are innocent of any wrongdoing."
Why it matters
This development raises questions about the potential political motivations behind Maxwell's offer, as well as the broader implications of a convicted criminal seeking clemency in exchange for testimony. It also comes as the Department of Justice is allowing members of Congress to review unredacted files related to Jeffrey Epstein, which could reveal new names and bring additional scrutiny.
The details
During the virtual deposition, Maxwell's attorney said that she would answer questions if she was granted clemency by President Trump. The attorney also stated that both Trump and former President Bill Clinton "are innocent of any wrongdoing," and that Maxwell "alone can explain why, and the public is entitled to that explanation." However, lawmakers, including House Oversight Chairman James Comer and Rep. Melanie Stansbury, expressed opposition to the idea of granting Maxwell any form of immunity or clemency.
- On Monday, Ghislaine Maxwell refused to answer lawmakers' questions during a virtual deposition, invoking her Fifth Amendment right.
- Last year, the Supreme Court rejected Maxwell's appeal, but in December she requested that a federal judge consider what her attorneys describe as 'substantial new evidence.'
The players
Ghislaine Maxwell
Convicted sex trafficker and former business partner of Jeffrey Epstein.
Donald Trump
Former President of the United States.
Bill Clinton
Former President of the United States.
James Comer
House Oversight Chairman, R-Ky.
Melanie Stansbury
Rep. D-N.M.
What they’re saying
“Her attorney said that she would answer questions if she was granted clemency by President Trump.”
— James Comer, House Oversight Chairman, R-Ky. (wtae.com)
“She is telling Donald Trump through her deposition that she is trying to buy her clemency.”
— Melanie Stansbury, Rep. D-N.M. (wtae.com)
“I, personally, don't think she should be granted any type of immunity or clemency.”
— James Comer, House Oversight Chairman, R-Ky. (wtae.com)
What’s next
The Department of Justice is allowing members of Congress to review unredacted files related to Jeffrey Epstein, which could reveal new names and bring additional scrutiny.
The takeaway
This case highlights the complex political dynamics surrounding the Epstein scandal, as a convicted criminal seeks to leverage her knowledge for potential clemency. It also raises questions about the integrity of the justice system and the willingness of powerful individuals to use their influence to avoid accountability.
