Ghislaine Maxwell Demands Testify Before Congress on Epstein Case

Ghislaine Maxwell's Conditions for Congressional Testimony

Ghislaine Maxwell, a British socialite and former associate of the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, has agreed to appear before Congress but has set specific conditions that must be met before she testifies. This development comes after she was subpoenaed by the House Oversight Chair James Comer to provide testimony next month.

In a letter obtained by Scripps News, Maxwell’s legal team outlined several requirements that need to be addressed before her appearance. The letter emphasized that Maxwell is willing to cooperate with Congress if a fair and safe process can be established. However, it also made clear that she cannot risk further legal exposure in a politically charged environment without formal immunity. The lawyers argued that this is not an option they are willing to accept.

Additionally, the letter pointed out that a prison setting would not be conducive to eliciting truthful and complete testimony. Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence for her 2021 sex trafficking conviction, has requested that any testimony take place outside the Florida correction facility where she is detained. She also insists that all questions from the committee must be provided in advance to ensure proper preparation.

“To prepare adequately for any congressional deposition—and to ensure accuracy and fairness—we would require the Committee's question in advance,” the letter stated. “This is essential not only to allow for meaningful preparation, but also to identify the relevant documentation from millions of pages that could corroborate her responses. Years after the original events and well beyond the criminal trial, this process cannot become a game of cat-and-mouse. Surprise questioning would be both inappropriate and unproductive.”

Another key condition outlined in the letter is that Maxwell wants her appearance scheduled only after the resolution of her Supreme Court petition to have her conviction overturned. Alternatively, her attorneys said she would be willing to testify openly and honestly if President Donald Trump were to grant her clemency.

“We remain open to working with the Committee to find a path forward that respects her constitutional rights and enables her to assist the American people and the Committee in its important oversight mission,” the letter concluded.

President Trump acknowledged on Monday that he has the authority to pardon Maxwell but did not confirm whether he is considering such an action. An Oversight Committee spokeswoman stated that the committee will respond to the letter soon, but denied the possibility of granting her immunity for her testimony.

Maxwell’s case has drawn renewed attention in recent weeks. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche met with her attorney last week as the Trump administration faces pressure to be more transparent about the federal investigation into Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Supporters of the president have long advocated for the release of the so-called Epstein files, which the administration has promised to disclose.

Earlier this month, the Justice Department and FBI released a joint memo stating that a review of the Epstein case found no “incriminating client list.” In response to the backlash, President Trump called on the attorney general to seek grand jury testimony. Days later, Blanche announced that he would meet with Maxwell.

It remains unclear what resulted from the meeting. Maxwell’s attorney noted that she answered every question asked but added that a presidential pardon was not discussed.