In a newly released DOJ transcript, Ghislaine Maxwell—convicted sex trafficker and longtime associate of Jeffrey Epstein—spoke candidly in a July 2025 interview conducted by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche at FCI Tallahassee. The interview marks the first detailed government-recorded account of her involvement with high-profile individuals and institutions, drawing public attention and renewed scrutiny.

Maxwell firmly denied the existence of a so-called “Epstein client list,” calling it a myth. She also rejected conspiracy theories regarding Epstein’s death, suggesting it may have been a prison homicide but not orchestrated by a broader elite conspiracy. Her tone throughout was assertive and specific, even when discussing controversial subjects.

She defended both Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, stating that each behaved respectfully in her presence and denying any inappropriate conduct. Notably, she emphasized her personal friendship with Clinton, asserting he was never on Epstein’s island. She also recalled brief interactions with Hillary Clinton and attending Chelsea Clinton’s wedding, where she claimed Epstein was not present.

Perhaps the most striking admission came when Maxwell claimed she played a “very central” role in launching the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), a key philanthropic arm of the Clinton Foundation. This declaration suggests a deeper integration into elite philanthropic circles than previously acknowledged.

Independent reporting confirmed Maxwell was honored at CGI’s 2013 annual meeting for her nonprofit, the TerraMar Project. Video footage and sources indicate her recognition was not routine, but prestigious—despite public allegations about her ties to Epstein already emerging at the time.

The Clinton Foundation has since downplayed Maxwell’s involvement, but the revelations continue to raise concerns about elite networks and institutional accountability. Victims’ advocates criticized the DOJ for giving Maxwell a platform, fearing it enables reputational revisionism and distracts from broader efforts for justice.