Turley on Maxwell’s Credibility and Interview Insights

On Friday, Jonathan Turley, a law professor at George Washington University, shared his thoughts on Fox News regarding Ghislaine Maxwell’s credibility. He highlighted the importance of considering her motivations when interpreting her statements.

The Justice Department recently released an interview with Maxwell, which reportedly was directed by Attorney General Pam Bondy to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche concerning Jeffrey Epstein. During a segment on “Jesse Watters Primetime,” Turley discussed whether he believed Maxwell, noting his lengthy experience as a defense attorney.

“As a criminal defense attorney for many years, I’ve learned that even the most dishonest witnesses can hold some truth in their words. It’s crucial to approach their statements with skepticism and analyze their motivations,” Turley explained. He remarked on Maxwell’s assertion of no manipulation surrounding the mail, suggesting that it remains a valid possibility.

Turley acknowledged persistent rumors that Epstein had his New York mansion wired, yet he noted that Maxwell’s answers didn’t clarify much on the issue.

“Clearly, Epstein was a predator who gathered dubious friends by preying on young girls. That’s troubling enough. Some suggest he intended to create an insurance system, and others claim his home in New York had surveillance capabilities,” he added.

Turley expressed that the release of Maxwell’s interview is quite rare, emphasizing its significance. “This is an unusual occurrence; these types of interviews typically aren’t made public. It indicates a considerable level of transparency. However, her claim of not having a list felt like a letdown to many,” he said. He also speculated about the origins of her rumors, hinting at her history of deceit and her past connections.

Concerning Maxwell’s denial about a potential list, Turley suggested it could be genuine, but her history as a convicted trafficker casts doubt on her intentions. “There’s a chance she really has nothing in connection with the president and perhaps doesn’t have a list at all. Still, it’s evident that this release didn’t appease D.C. insiders,” he noted. “She’s someone who has notably promoted human trafficking and abuse, so it’s tough to see her as sympathetic. It seems she is looking for something from President Trump—likely a commutation.”

In the interview, Maxwell characterized Donald Trump as a “gentleman in every respect” and claimed she had never witnessed him in compromising situations. She noted that Trump behaved appropriately around others and dismissed allegations regarding Bill Clinton’s interactions on Epstein’s jet.

Maxwell also stated she didn’t remember Trump sending Epstein a birthday card in 2003, asserting she never encountered such evidence during the New York trial preparations. Meanwhile, Trump had filed a lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal concerning claims about a birthday note. Concurrently, the House Oversight Committee announced that the Justice Department had initiated the release of Epstein-related documents.