Ghislaine Maxwell Pleads the Fifth in Closed-Door Congressional Deposition
Jeffrey Epstein's convicted co-conspirator invoked her Fifth Amendment rights more than a dozen times during a virtual House Oversight deposition, refusing to name co-conspirators or answer questions about trafficking.
Maxwell Refuses to Answer
Ghislaine Maxwell, serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking at a federal prison camp in Texas, appeared via video link before the House Oversight Committee on February 9, 2026, in a closed-door deposition.
Maxwell repeatedly invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, refusing to answer any substantive questions. She declined to say whether she was involved in trafficking young women, whether she coerced minors to provide sexual favors to Epstein, and refused to provide names of any additional co-conspirators.
Clemency Offer
Maxwell's attorney, David Oscar Markus, told the committee that his client was "prepared to speak fully and honestly if granted clemency by President Trump." Maxwell reportedly offered to prove Trump "innocent" of allegations in the Epstein files in exchange for a presidential pardon or commutation.
Committee Response
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer expressed disappointment after the brief deposition: "This is obviously very disappointing. We had many questions to ask about the crimes she and Epstein committed, as well as questions about potential co-conspirators."
The committee had subpoenaed Maxwell as part of its broader investigation into the federal government's handling of the Epstein case. Unredacted Epstein files were also opened to members of Congress beginning the same day.
What This Means
Maxwell's refusal to cooperate leaves major questions unanswered about potential co-conspirators who may have facilitated Epstein's crimes. Her offer to testify only in exchange for clemency raises questions about what information she may possess about powerful individuals connected to Epstein.