US President Donald Trump has denied considering a pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted associate of Jeffrey Epstein, despite her lawyer saying she would welcome any relief. Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence after being found guilty of helping Epstein sexually abuse teenage girls.
Trump’s remarks came as the White House faces a growing storm over Epstein’s case and renewed scrutiny of his past relationship with the financier. Trump has denied ever being on Epstein’s private plane, despite appearing with him at social events in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Maxwell is appealing her sentence, and her lawyer, David Markus, said she answered questions truthfully during a second day of interviews with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. Markus stated that Maxwell would “welcome any relief” but emphasized she has not asked for anything from the US government in exchange for her testimony.
The unusual involvement of Blanche, who is typically not involved in investigative interviews, added to the controversy surrounding the Justice Department’s investigation into Epstein’s death. Trump’s comments on the matter have sparked outrage among some of his supporters, who claim the government is covering up Epstein’s ties to the rich and powerful.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-has-not-considered-clemency-maxwell-attorney-would-welcome-relief-2025-07-25