A major congressional deposition connected to the Jeffrey Epstein case ended without key answers after Ghislaine Maxwell refused to respond to questions. The development has triggered political tension and raised fresh debate over accountability in one of the most widely discussed criminal investigations in recent years.
Lawmakers had hoped the deposition would provide insight into how Epstein’s trafficking network operated and whether others were involved. Instead, Maxwell used her legal rights to remain silent throughout the questioning, leaving investigators and lawmakers divided over the next steps.
Maxwell Declines to Answer Lawmakers’ Questions
Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a federal prison sentence for sex-trafficking crimes linked to Jeffrey Epstein, appeared virtually before the House Oversight Committee from a prison in Texas. The deposition was led by committee chairman James R. Comer, who said Maxwell invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination for every question asked.
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James R. Comer described the outcome as disappointing. He said lawmakers had prepared questions about crimes connected to Epstein and Maxwell, as well as possible co-conspirators. The committee had been pushing for Maxwell’s testimony for months, believing she could help explain how the trafficking operation worked.
Maxwell’s attorney, David Oscar Markus, told lawmakers that his client would consider answering questions if she were granted clemency by President Donald Trump. The statement quickly became a central issue during the deposition.
Representative Suhas Subramanyam criticized Maxwell’s stance, saying she appeared to be seeking a pardon instead of cooperating with investigators. Markus later repeated publicly that Maxwell was prepared to speak honestly if clemency were granted. He also claimed Maxwell could clear Donald Trump and former President Bill Clinton of wrongdoing related to Epstein. Lawmakers from opposing political parties strongly rejected those claims.
Political Disputes and Questions Over Prison Treatment
The deposition increased political conflict around the investigation. Some lawmakers argued Maxwell’s refusal to cooperate was part of a strategy to influence public opinion and seek favorable treatment. Others raised concerns about her recent transfer to a minimum-security prison facility.
The transfer followed an interview conducted by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. Critics questioned whether Maxwell was receiving special treatment compared to other inmates convicted of serious crimes. Some lawmakers demanded access to review her prison conditions after whistleblower claims suggested preferential handling.
The debate expanded as Justice Department files connected to Jeffrey Epstein were released to Congress. Representative Jamie Raskin criticized the department for failing to provide required explanations for redactions in the documents. Raskin claimed the department appeared to be hiding key details related to the investigation.
The issue of secrecy intensified when lawmakers reviewed parts of the files. They argued that incomplete disclosures made it difficult to fully understand the scale of the trafficking network and how it operated for years without being stopped.
Expanding Investigation and Calls for Testimony
Representative Ro Khanna and Representative Thomas Massie said they saw references to six unidentified men while reviewing investigative files. They stated that the documents included photos resembling mug shots of individuals connected to the case. Both lawmakers questioned why the identities were still redacted, saying there was no legal justification under congressional requirements.
The investigation also expanded into reviewing records from Epstein’s estate. Lawmakers have examined thousands of pages of financial and administrative documents. The committee is expected to hear testimony from estate executors as part of the ongoing inquiry.
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New controversy emerged after documents showed Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick allegedly planned a visit to Epstein’s private island in 2012. Lutnick previously said he stopped associating with Epstein in 2005. He later told reporters he spent no time with Epstein but did not comment on the island visit. Senator Adam B. Schiff called for Lutnick to resign, accusing him of giving misleading statements. Thomas Massie also suggested Lutnick should step down.
The committee is also preparing depositions involving Hillary Clinton and Bill Clinton. Both agreed to testify on camera but requested that their questioning take place in public hearings. A review of released Justice Department records found limited new information about Bill Clinton’s interactions with Epstein. However, documents indicated that Maxwell played a significant role in supporting the creation of the Clinton Global Initiative.
The deposition involving Ghislaine Maxwell remains a key moment in the congressional inquiry, as lawmakers continue to gather records, question witnesses, and review investigative material connected to the Epstein trafficking case.
