Key Point Summary โ Ghislaine Maxwell DOJ Interview
- Maxwell gave DOJ names of 100 people tied to Epstein
- Deputy AG Todd Blanche led the two-day questioning
- Lawyer hints clemency could come from Trump
- DOJ denies Epstein kept a โclient listโ
- Trump says heโs not following case closely
- Maxwell may speak to Congress on August 11
- Her 20-year sex trafficking conviction is under appeal
Maxwell Names Names in Explosive DOJ Meeting
Ghislaine Maxwell stunned federal investigators by naming โ100 different peopleโ connected to Jeffrey Epstein during a bombshell interview with the Department of Justice. The two-day interrogation was led by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, according to Maxwellโs attorney David Oscar Markus.
โShe was asked about every possible thing,โ Markus said. โThis was her first real chance to speak โ and she answered everything.โ
The Ghislaine Maxwell DOJ interview is already fueling speculation across Washington and beyond. Markus insisted his client didnโt invoke the Fifth Amendment, adding: โIf she lies, they could charge her. But she told the truth.โ
Possible Pardon in the Mix?
Maxwell, now 63, is serving a 20-year sentence after her 2021 conviction for sex trafficking and conspiracy. But her legal team is eyeing a potential Hail Mary: clemency from President Trump.
Calling Trump โthe ultimate dealmaker,โ Markus said Maxwell โhas been treated unfairly for the past five yearsโ and โdidnโt get a fair trial.โ He added, โWe hope he uses his power the right way.โ
Trump, speaking from Glasgow, said he wasnโt aware of the interview between Maxwell and Blanche. โThis is no time to be talking about pardons,โ he said, though he left the door open by adding, โI havenโt thought about it.โ
DOJ Memo Denies Client List
Despite public fascination with Epsteinโs alleged โblack book,โ the Justice Department poured cold water on the theory earlier this month. A memo released on July 6 stated there was โno credible evidenceโ that Epstein blackmailed powerful figures or maintained a client list of sex trafficking participants.
The memo followed February comments by Attorney General Pam Bondi, who had teased a full disclosure of Epstein files โ a release that never came.
The Ghislaine Maxwell DOJ interview, however, suggests that there are still many names in the shadows.
Congress Wants Its Turn
Maxwellโs legal troubles may soon get even more public. Sheโs been subpoenaed by the House Oversight Committee to testify on August 11. Her lawyer says she hasnโt yet decided whether to appear or invoke her right against self-incrimination.
โWe have to make a decision about whether she would do that or not,โ Markus noted.
The hearing could mark another seismic moment in the Epstein saga โ especially if Maxwell continues to cooperate.
Epsteinโs Allies Under Fresh Scrutiny
Though Epstein died in 2019 under mysterious circumstances while awaiting trial, his vast network of powerful associates continues to draw scrutiny. That includes Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, and Donald Trump โ all of whom had past ties to the financier.
Trump reportedly banned Epstein from Mar-a-Lago in 2004 after he allegedly acted inappropriately toward a young girl.
According to Markus, Epsteinโs lawyers had once been told by prosecutors that โno potential co-conspirators would be prosecutedโ if Epstein cooperated. That quiet deal may now be a flashpoint โ especially if Trump wasnโt informed.
Public Still Demanding Answers
Americans remain skeptical. A recent Quinnipiac poll showed widespread disapproval of the Trump administrationโs handling of Epstein-related files. Many believe key evidence is being hidden, and that justice has not been fully served.
Meanwhile, the DOJ insists it found no grounds to investigate uncharged figures. โWe did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation,โ the July memo stated.
Maxwellโs lawyer thinks otherwise โ and claims the Ghislaine Maxwell DOJ interview may change everything.
The Countdown Begins
As Maxwell continues to appeal her conviction, and faces questions from Congress, the legal clock is ticking. Her willingness to name names may be her last chance at freedom.
And if 100 people were truly identified, the fallout from her DOJ interview could reshape the Epstein scandal forever.