Published Feb 9, 2026, 3:17 PM EST
Leo is a professional writer, having worked in the journalistic field for many years. In that time, he has covered breaking political news, in-depth analyses of true crime, and a few more lighthearted topics such as entertainment, culture, and travel. His writing can be found at various outlets, including Rare, Wide Open Country, and PC Invasion.
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Ghislaine Maxwell, a woman complicit and often pivotal in the atrocities allegedly carried out in the Epstein files, is pleading the fifth until Donald Trump, a man heavily named in the files, grants her clemency. This will, if given, greatly impact the repercussions of her actions, involvement, and wrongdoings.
From a prison camp in Texas, she told the court that she would exercise her right to remain silent until she was given leniency. Until then, evidence that perhaps only Maxwell can provide will stay with her, and the people who need to be persecuted for their actions related to Epstein will continue to walk free. She has the ability to ensure that justice is served, but won't do so until she feels safe.
According to a post by Maxwell's lawyer David Oscar Markus, she will withhold knowledge until she gets what she wants. He stated that she is "prepared to speak fully and honestly if granted clemency by President Trump. Only she can provide the complete account. Some may not like what they hear, but the truth matters."
Her lawyer tried to sweeten the deal for Trump by claiming that Maxwell has evidence that can completely clear his name. However, it is information that only she has, and that she will only provide if he does what she asks of him. Whether this ploy will actually convince the President to oblige her request still stands to be seen.
However, numerous survivors have come forward to discourage courts from taking anything she says as true. They claim that she is dangerous and will lie to protect some and incriminate others. They insist that whatever she says, be it with clemency or not, will only further damage the victims and protect the guilty. They believe that any credibility given to her testimony would be terrible for the survivors.
Despite her request for clemency, the White House has previously stated that there would be no discussion of leniency. However, as more pages are released from the files and more high-profile names are added to the lists of people involved in Epstein's activities, the pressure builds for the truth to be finally revealed. Maxwell claims that she can shed a lot of light on what really went on and free some very powerful people from blame.
Although Maxwell is campaigning for clemency, there are some out there who believe that even if she did testify, she would still lie and deceive in order to protect herself and others around her. At present, there is no word from Trump on whether clemency will be granted.
English (US) ·