Ghislaine Maxwell recently sat for approximately nine hours of questioning over two days with the U.S. Department of Justice, after initiating contact and receiving limited immunity. This immunity agreement, known as proffer immunity, protected her statements from being used against her in future proceedings. The meetings took place under the Trump administration and were led by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. Although Maxwell has already been convicted and sentenced for sex trafficking underage girls, she reportedly approached DOJ officials voluntarily.
Maxwell’s second meeting lasted around three hours, during which she was accompanied by her attorney, David Markus. Markus clarified that no deals or promises were made in exchange for her cooperation. He emphasized that Maxwell answered every question posed to her, reportedly covering nearly 100 individuals, and insisted she withheld nothing. However, he declined to provide names or comment on whether she implicated others in potential criminal conduct.
Markus reiterated that Maxwell’s participation was not tied to any direct request for leniency or a reduced sentence, although he acknowledged she would welcome any relief. Deputy Attorney General Blanche did not publicly comment on the substance of the meetings but stated online that he would disclose details “at the appropriate time.” Maxwell is currently appealing her 20-year sentence, handed down for her involvement with Jeffrey Epstein in trafficking minors.
The nature of the meetings has raised eyebrows, given the rarity of such high-level discussions involving a convicted sex offender. ABC News noted the unusual aspect of Blanche’s role, considering his previous position as President Trump’s lead criminal defense attorney. Trump, when asked about the situation, called Blanche a “great attorney” but refrained from commenting on a potential pardon for Maxwell.
When questioned further, Trump emphasized the sensitivity of the matter and avoided confirming any details regarding a pardon. Meanwhile, Markus stated Maxwell’s team has not yet requested a pardon but left open the possibility. He expressed hope that the president would exercise his pardon power “in the right and just way.” According to The Wall Street Journal, Attorney General Pam Bondi informed Trump that his name appeared in the Epstein files, alongside other high-profile individuals.
Trump has denied those claims, and multiple sources have pointed out that inclusion in the files does not indicate guilt. As the investigation continues, the implications of Maxwell’s cooperation and the DOJ’s next steps remain uncertain.
