Potential Release of Ghislaine Maxwell’s Testimony
On Tuesday, CNN’s senior legal analyst, Ellie Honig, remarked that the possible release of Ghislaine Maxwell’s testimony by the Department of Justice (DOJ) is “almost unprecedented.” The DOJ is considering making public a transcript of Maxwell’s interview with Associate Attorney General Todd Blanche, which took place on July 24 and 25. This discussion focused on the connections between sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his trafficking network. Honig noted during CNN’s “Situation Room” that it’s “very rare” for prosecutors to share testimony from witnesses they have interviewed.
“It’s extremely rare and almost unheard of,” she stated. “Typically, if a prosecutor visits someone in prison—especially a defendant or a potential supportive witness—they won’t disclose that interview.” There’s some concern that making this transcript public could rekindle media attention on Epstein’s case.
Officials at the White House are reportedly in discussions about whether or not to release the transcript, reflecting caution about the implications it could hold. Some administrative sources indicated that the transcripts might be released in the upcoming weeks.
Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence following her 2021 conviction linked to Epstein’s sex trafficking ring. Her attorney filed a petition with the Supreme Court on July 28, aiming to overturn her sentence based on the 2008 Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA) connected to Epstein in the Southern District of Florida. They are now waiting for a decision from the justice system.
After the interview, Maxwell was transferred to a low-security prison in Bryan, Texas, moving from the federal facility in Tallahassee, Florida. Her lawyer, David Oscar Marx, mentioned that Maxwell addressed inquiries regarding nearly 100 individuals purportedly tied to Epstein.
In July, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer had summoned Maxwell for questioning on August 11. However, he delayed this session indefinitely after expressing a threat to seek legal action unless he was granted congressional immunity or received questions ahead of time.
President Trump has not ruled out the possibility of granting her clemency, making comments during a press conference in Scotland on July 28.
