Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted associate of financier Jeffrey Epstein, invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination during a closed-door virtual deposition with the House Oversight Committee on Monday, lawmakers said.
The refusal came as Congress gained access to unredacted Epstein files still withheld from public release by the Justice Department.
Lawmakers Express Frustration
House Oversight Chair Rep. James Comer called Maxwell’s silence “very disappointing,” saying lawmakers hoped to question her about Epstein’s crimes and possible co-conspirators.
“She had an opportunity today to answer questions that every American has,” Comer said. “She chose to invoke her Fifth Amendment.”
Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year federal prison sentence in Texas.
Legal Strategy and Clemency Push
Republican Rep. Andy Biggs said Maxwell’s attorney cited her pending habeas corpus petition as the reason for refusing to testify. Her legal team has repeatedly suggested she would cooperate if granted presidential clemency.
In a January letter to the committee, Maxwell’s attorney wrote that clemency would make her “willing — and eager — to testify openly and honestly before Congress.”
Trump and Clinton Cleared in Statement
Biggs said Maxwell’s attorney read a statement asserting that Maxwell has no knowledge of wrongdoing by either President Donald Trump or former President Bill Clinton. Maxwell previously made similar claims during a Justice Department proffer session last summer.
Bipartisan Opposition to Clemency
Democrats sharply criticized Maxwell’s renewed clemency bid. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam said her refusal to testify was directly tied to hopes of a pardon.
“She should have no hope of ever getting out of prison,” Subramanyam said.
Comer also urged against any form of clemency or immunity, citing meetings with Epstein survivors who opposed leniency.
Investigation Moves Forward
Despite Maxwell’s silence, Comer said the committee’s investigation will continue. Upcoming depositions include retail billionaire Leslie Wexner on Feb. 18, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Feb. 26, and former President Bill Clinton on Feb. 27, along with Epstein’s former accountant and lawyer.
“We’re not done,” Rep. Jasmine Crockett said. “We’re going to continue to go.”
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