Representative Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) has accused President Trump of considering a pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell, a convicted sex offender, during a press briefing on Monday.
“It’s appalling that Trump, in his discussions with the media, has hinted at pardoning someone guilty of sex trafficking who exploited young girls and was closely connected to Jeffrey Epstein,” he remarked. “I’ve spoken to numerous survivors who have suffered because of both Epstein and Maxwell. Additionally, she’s recently been moved to a less secure prison in Texas,” he mentioned, referencing Maxwell’s transfer over the summer.
Earlier that same day, the Supreme Court opted not to hear Maxwell’s appeal regarding her sex trafficking conviction. Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years in prison for aiding in the sexual offenses committed by Epstein.
After the high court’s decision, Trump spoke with a reporter in the Oval Office, mentioning he would consult the Department of Justice about Maxwell’s situation, noting that the department opposed her appeal.
“I haven’t thought about that name in quite some time. But we will have to look into it,” Trump stated.
Garcia is the Ranking member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, which is probing the FBI and DOJ’s investigations related to Epstein and Maxwell. In July, Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) issued a subpoena for Maxwell’s testimony.
Maxwell’s attorney sought immunity in return for her testimony, which the committee denied. A Deputy Attorney General interviewed her in a Florida federal prison, but she has yet to appear before the oversight committee.
Garcia indicated on Monday that “a date has been set” for Maxwell’s testimony, adding, “you can be sure we’ll have plenty of questions for her.”
“Ghislaine Maxwell must come before the Oversight Committee and provide answers,” the California Democrat asserted. “Chairman Comer has agreed to this, and her legal team is well aware that she needs to present herself before us.”
