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Congress Pushes Back Against Potential Maxwell Pardon

11/27/2025

Summary

Story summary

Representative Jamie Raskin introduced a resolution opposing any presidential pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell, citing whistleblower information about possible commutation.
Raskin said Congress can object despite President Donald Trump's unilateral pardon powers.
Mike Johnson and James Comer discouraged a pardon, with Comer citing sufficient evidence.
The resolution aims to pressure the White House after Congress voted nearly unanimously to release Epstein-related documents.
The White House dismissed the effort as a distraction.

Summary

Story summary

Ghislaine Maxwell, an accomplice of Jeffrey Epstein, faces a 20-year prison sentence. Recent emails from Epstein’s estate reveal connections to various figures, including President Trump. Trump has not dismissed the possibility of commuting Maxwell's sentence or granting her a pardon. Representative Jamie Raskin condemned any potential pardon, stating that Maxwell continues to lie about her crimes and victimizes women. Raskin urged Congress to support a resolution opposing any leniency for Maxwell, emphasizing that she played a crucial role in a significant international child sex trafficking operation.

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Story summary

Representative Jamie Raskin introduced a resolution opposing any presidential pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell, citing whistleblower information about possible commutation.
Raskin said Congress can object despite President Donald Trump's unilateral pardon powers.
Mike Johnson and James Comer discouraged a pardon, with Comer citing sufficient evidence.
The resolution aims to pressure the White House after Congress voted nearly unanimously to release Epstein-related documents.
The White House dismissed the effort as a distraction.

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