Story perspectives

House GOP Considers Pardon for Maxwell Amid Epstein Probe

4/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Rep. James Comer, chairman of the House Oversight Committee, indicated that some members may support a pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell to secure her cooperation in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
Maxwell has invoked her Fifth Amendment rights and would only testify if granted clemency by President Trump, who has not dismissed the possibility of a pardon.
Rep. Robert Garcia stated that Democrats unanimously oppose this idea, viewing it as disrespectful to victims.
The investigation is hindered by Maxwell's non-cooperation and Epstein's death in 2019.
Garcia also proposed reviewing the conditions of Maxwell's transfer to a lower-security facility.

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Story summary

Rep. James Comer, chairman of the House Oversight Committee, indicated that some members may support a pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell to secure her cooperation in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
Maxwell has invoked her Fifth Amendment rights and would only testify if granted clemency by President Trump, who has not dismissed the possibility of a pardon.
Rep. Robert Garcia stated that Democrats unanimously oppose this idea, viewing it as disrespectful to victims.
The investigation is hindered by Maxwell's non-cooperation and Epstein's death in 2019.
Garcia also proposed reviewing the conditions of Maxwell's transfer to a lower-security facility.