Ghislaine Maxwell invokes Fifth Amendment, offers to testify if Trump grants clemency.
The latest turn in the Ghislaine Maxwell saga came when she appeared before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee via video conference, invoking her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. The move was seen as a strategic attempt by her lawyer to gain clemency from President Trump.
According to Chairman James Comer, Maxwell's refusal to answer questions was "very disappointing," particularly given that she had previously appeared for an interview with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, which covered topics including her relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. However, during the Oversight Committee meeting, Maxwell insisted on invoking her Fifth Amendment right multiple times, leaving the panel without any direct testimony from her.
David Markus, Maxwell's attorney, stated in a statement that if the committee and the public truly want to hear the unfiltered truth about what happened, there is a straightforward path. This involves Maxwell speaking fully and honestly, should she receive clemency from President Trump. Markus emphasized that only Maxwell can provide this complete account.
The Oversight Committee has scheduled five more depositions as part of its investigation into Epstein's inner circle, including Les Wexner, Richard Kahn, Darren Indyke, among others. The committee has been seeking information about potential co-conspirators and crimes committed by Maxwell and Epstein.
While some lawmakers have questioned Maxwell's motives, Rep. Suhas Subramanyam described her offer to speak on the record as an effort to drum up support for clemency from both parties. However, Rep. Andy Biggs countered that there was no indication of either President Trump or former President Bill Clinton being culpable in any wrongdoing.
Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence after being convicted of federal sex-trafficking charges in 2021 for her role in a scheme to sexually exploit and abuse minor girls with Epstein.
The latest turn in the Ghislaine Maxwell saga came when she appeared before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee via video conference, invoking her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. The move was seen as a strategic attempt by her lawyer to gain clemency from President Trump.
According to Chairman James Comer, Maxwell's refusal to answer questions was "very disappointing," particularly given that she had previously appeared for an interview with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, which covered topics including her relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. However, during the Oversight Committee meeting, Maxwell insisted on invoking her Fifth Amendment right multiple times, leaving the panel without any direct testimony from her.
David Markus, Maxwell's attorney, stated in a statement that if the committee and the public truly want to hear the unfiltered truth about what happened, there is a straightforward path. This involves Maxwell speaking fully and honestly, should she receive clemency from President Trump. Markus emphasized that only Maxwell can provide this complete account.
The Oversight Committee has scheduled five more depositions as part of its investigation into Epstein's inner circle, including Les Wexner, Richard Kahn, Darren Indyke, among others. The committee has been seeking information about potential co-conspirators and crimes committed by Maxwell and Epstein.
While some lawmakers have questioned Maxwell's motives, Rep. Suhas Subramanyam described her offer to speak on the record as an effort to drum up support for clemency from both parties. However, Rep. Andy Biggs countered that there was no indication of either President Trump or former President Bill Clinton being culpable in any wrongdoing.
Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence after being convicted of federal sex-trafficking charges in 2021 for her role in a scheme to sexually exploit and abuse minor girls with Epstein.