Ghislaine Maxwell, convicted for her role in Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking crimes, invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination during a deposition before the House Oversight Committee on Monday, but offered to provide a “complete account” of Epstein’s actions – including potentially exculpatory information regarding former Presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton – in exchange for clemency, according to statements made by her attorney.
Maxwell appeared virtually from a federal correctional facility where she is serving a 20-year sentence. Committee Chair James Comer, R-Ky., expressed disappointment with Maxwell’s refusal to answer questions, stating the committee had sought information regarding her involvement in recruiting and trafficking young women, as well as identifying potential co-conspirators. “She pleaded the Fifth over and over,” Comer said in a statement following the deposition.
Maxwell’s attorney, David Oscar Markus, stated that his client “would very much like to answer your questions,” but remains silent due to a pending habeas petition arguing her conviction was based on an unfair trial. Markus further asserted that Maxwell possesses unique knowledge that could clear both Trump and Clinton of any wrongdoing related to Epstein. “Some may not like what they hear, but the truth matters,” Markus said, according to a statement released after the deposition. “Ms. Maxwell alone can explain why, and the public is entitled to that explanation.”
The offer of testimony in exchange for clemency has ignited controversy. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, a Democrat, suggested Maxwell’s silence is a calculated move to secure a pardon from Trump. Trump, when questioned in November, stated he had “not thought about” a potential pardon for Maxwell, and declined to rule it out.
The deposition followed a two-day interview of Maxwell by Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco in July. Shortly after, Maxwell was transferred to a federal facility in Texas, which critics have characterized as having lax security conditions, leading to concerns she may have been offered leniency in exchange for her silence regarding connections between Epstein and figures within the Trump administration. These concerns remain unaddressed.
The House Oversight Committee is also preparing for testimony from both Bill and Hillary Clinton later this month. The Clintons have requested a public hearing to prevent what they perceive as potential political manipulation of the information by Republicans. Trump was not subpoenaed to testify by the Republican-led committee.
The Justice Department released over three million pages of documents related to the Epstein case in late January, prompting renewed scrutiny of individuals linked to the disgraced financier. Even as no new criminal charges are currently anticipated, the released documents have implicated numerous figures in politics and business, leading to resignations and scandals.
As of Tuesday, February 10, 2026, the White House has not responded to requests for comment regarding Maxwell’s offer of testimony or the possibility of a pardon.
