Maxwell’s lawyer suggests Trump may consider a pardon, reigniting debate over the Epstein case and potential new revelations.
Ghislaine Maxwell’s legal team has sparked renewed debate after suggesting that former US President Donald Trump might consider granting her a presidential pardon. Maxwell, the British socialite convicted for her role in Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking network, is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence following her 2021 conviction.
Speaking in an interview with Politico, her lawyer David Oscar Markus hinted at the possibility of clemency, though he stopped short of providing specific probabilities. “I don’t know what the percentages are," he said. “There’s a good chance and for good reason that she would get a pardon." His remarks have reignited public and political discussion around the high-profile case, which has remained in the spotlight for years.
Markus defended his client by arguing that Maxwell was unfairly targeted after Epstein’s death in 2019. According to him, she became “a scapegoat” in a case that might have unfolded differently had Epstein faced trial. He maintained that Maxwell would likely not have been prosecuted if Epstein had lived to stand trial.
Despite the speculation, the lawyer clarified that there has been no direct communication with the White House regarding any formal pardon request. He also noted that any move toward clemency would likely take time, emphasizing the sensitivity and timing of such a decision. “She obviously wants clemency," he said. “There’s no secret about that. I don’t think now is the best time to do it, with everything going on."
Donald Trump has previously addressed questions about a potential pardon but has not made any definitive commitments. While he has indicated that he has not given the matter much thought, he has also not ruled it out entirely. At one point, he told reporters he would “speak to the DOJ" if the issue were formally raised.
The Epstein case continues to generate significant attention due to its connections to influential figures in business, politics, and entertainment. Maxwell, now 64, remains the only individual convicted in relation to Epstein’s crimes. Her case has fueled ongoing speculation that she may possess additional information about others allegedly linked to the network.
Earlier in February, Maxwell was subpoenaed by the US House Oversight Committee but declined to answer questions, invoking her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.
As discussions around a possible pardon continue, the issue remains politically sensitive and legally complex, with no official steps taken toward clemency so far.
Source : News18
