Ghislaine Maxwell poses with French modeling agent and scout Jean-Luc Brunel, who died by suicide in prison after being charged with the rape of minors, human trafficking for sexual purposes, and organized sexual exploitation linked to Jeffrey Epstein’s network (Department of Justice)

Maxwell pleads the Fifth at Epstein deposition, then her lawyer asks Trump for clemency

by · Boing Boing

Ghislaine Maxwell appeared virtually from a Texas prison today for her closed-door deposition with the House Oversight Committee. She declined to answer questions, invoking her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, reports Politico.

Then came the ask. Maxwell's attorney reiterated that she would testify fully — if President Trump grants her clemency.

Democrats accused Maxwell of using the congressional deposition as a vehicle to angle for a pardon. Republicans, including Chair James Comer, expressed disappointment at what they called a missed opportunity for answers in the Epstein probe. Both reactions seem to miss the obvious: Maxwell is willing to talk to Trump's Justice Department without invoking the Fifth, but refuses to answer the same questions under oath before Congress.

Deputy AG Todd Blanche visited Maxwell in prison last month. She didn't plead the Fifth then. Rep. Ro Khanna had submitted questions in advance — about the four unnamed co-conspirators in her indictment, the 25 additional men in court documents, potential client lists, and foreign intelligence connections. Today, she refused to answer any of them.

Maxwell is serving 20 years for her role in Epstein's sex trafficking operation. She is currently appealing her conviction.

Previously:
• Trump on Ghislaine pardon: "I'm allowed to do it"
• Maxwell scores cushy prison upgrade following mysterious interview with Trump official
• Trump fires federal prosecutor who headed Epstein-Maxwell investigation