US President Donald Trump on Friday said that he has not considered granting a pardon or commutation for Ghislaine Maxwell, the ex-girlfriend and longtime associate of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence for aiding Epstein in the sexual abuse of underage girls.
Asked by reporters if he had thought about clemency for Maxwell, Trump responded, “It’s something I haven’t thought about. I’m allowed to do it, but I haven’t thought about it.” Pressed again, he declined to comment further, saying, “I don’t want to talk about that.”
Maxwell is appealing her conviction and recently completed a second day of interviews with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche at a federal courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida. The Justice Department initiated the meeting to determine whether Maxwell could provide more information related to the Epstein case.
Her attorney, David Markus, said Maxwell “answered questions truthfully” and reiterated that she is cooperating fully: “She’s got no reason to lie. The truth will come out.”
Blanche’s direct involvement in the interviews raised eyebrows, as it’s unusual for a senior DOJ official to lead investigative sessions. Blanche previously served as Trump’s personal attorney.
Trump, who was leaving for a trip to Scotland when speaking to reporters, also distanced himself from Epstein, saying, “I have nothing to do with the guy. I never went to his island.” While Trump’s name appeared on Epstein’s flight logs from the 1990s, he has denied any wrongdoing and has not been charged.
The Justice Department recently ended its investigation into Epstein’s death and ruled out releasing further records, prompting frustration from some Trump supporters who believe more should be disclosed.
To date, Trump has issued 58 pardons and 12 commutations during his second term, including clemency for hundreds involved in the January 6 Capitol riot.
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With inputs from Reuters
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