Will only speak if Trump pardons her.
Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving time in prison for human trafficking and sexual assault, refused to answer questions during a hearing in the US House of Representatives on Monday.
Maxwell, who was Jeffrey Epstein’s longtime companion, invoked his right not to incriminate himself throughout the questioning.
The 64-year-old participated virtually from a prison in Texas.
– It was very disappointing, says Republican James Comer, who heads the committee, according to New York Times.
Chairman of the committee
– We had many questions about the crimes she and Epstein committed, as well as questions about potential co-conspirators, he continued.
Maxwell’s attorney, David Oscar Markus, said in his opening statement that Maxwell “would answer questions only if she were pardoned” by President Trump.
The Democrats strongly condemned this position.
– She is campaigning again and again to get that pardon from President Trump, and this president has not ruled it out, says Democrat Suhas Subramanyam.
In a statement on social media, Markus writes that Maxwell is “prepared to speak fully and honestly”, but only if the pardon goes through.
The lawyer also claims that Maxwell could clear both Trump and former President Bill Clinton of charges if she testifies.
Both have documented ties to Epstein.
Democrats have so far rejected all of Maxwell’s attempts to get a pardon.
date:2026-02-10 00:03:00