By Sola Adeniji | M10news | July 27, 2025
Republican Congressman Thomas Massie has called on the Trump administration to take any necessary steps — including the potential offer of clemency — to compel Ghislaine Maxwell to testify about her role in the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking network, in a move that has drawn bipartisan scrutiny.
Speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday, Massie (R-Ky.) said he believes the American public deserves full transparency about the Epstein scandal and suggested that Maxwell’s testimony could be key to exposing hidden details about the late financier’s alleged criminal enterprise and its political entanglements.
“Whatever They Need to Do”
Asked directly if he would support a pardon for Maxwell to obtain testimony, Massie replied: “That would be up to the president. But if she has information that could help us, then I think she should testify.
Let’s get that out there. And whatever they need to do to compel that testimony, as long as it’s truthful, I would be in favour of.”
Massie and Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) are spearheading a rare bipartisan effort in Congress to force the release of the long-classified “Epstein files” — government-held records that may reveal associates, communications, and potential cover-ups linked to Epstein’s operations.
Their legislative push has gained traction in recent weeks as calls for transparency grow louder, especially amid fresh concerns over high-profile figures who had dealings with Epstein or Maxwell.
Blanche’s Secret Meetings with Maxwell Raise Eyebrows
Fueling speculation further, Trump’s former criminal defence attorney, Todd Blanche — now serving as the U.S. Deputy Attorney General — held two private meetings with Maxwell last week.
Sources confirmed Blanche met with the convicted sex trafficker for several hours on Thursday and Friday, behind closed doors at the low-security federal prison in Tallahassee, Florida, where Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence.
The meetings, which have not been publicly explained by the Department of Justice, sparked concern among some lawmakers.
Rep. Khanna voiced alarm over the secretive nature of the conversations. “No, I don’t” support any form of pardon for Maxwell, he said, directly opposing Massie’s view. “And I’m concerned that the Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche is meeting with her supposedly one-on-one.”
Khanna stressed that while he supports compelling Maxwell to testify, her credibility is tainted by her prior indictments for perjury. “This is why we need the files,” he said. “This is why we need independent evidence.”
Trump: “I’m Allowed to Do It”
Last Friday, when asked about the possibility of granting Maxwell clemency, former President Trump stated that he hadn’t considered it but added, “I’m allowed to do it.” Trump’s comment has only intensified speculation that a behind-the-scenes deal may be under consideration.
Maxwell, a British socialite and longtime associate of Epstein, was convicted in 2021 on charges of sex trafficking minors and conspiracy to groom young girls for abuse. Her appeal efforts have so far failed, and she remains incarcerated at FCI Tallahassee.
Transparency vs. Justice
The possibility of granting Maxwell any form of clemency — even conditionally — has already divided lawmakers, with some arguing it would undermine the seriousness of her crimes.
Critics also warn it could set a troubling precedent, especially for victims who have fought for years to see justice served.
Still, others argue that if Maxwell holds critical information that could expose broader networks of abuse or name powerful enablers, the public interest in disclosure may outweigh the political and moral cost of granting leniency.
Growing Push for the Epstein Files
The Epstein case continues to haunt the political landscape, with public pressure mounting to declassify records from federal investigations, flight logs, visitor logs from Epstein’s homes, and sealed court documents from civil cases.
Both Massie and Khanna have emphasised that their bipartisan bill aims to release these files in full, without redactions. The legislation would also create a commission to oversee and verify the authenticity of the materials made public.
“The American people deserve to know the truth,” said Massie earlier this month. “We’re talking about a case that involves systemic abuse, potential corruption, and victims who deserve answers.”
Potential Fallout for the Trump Administration
If the Maxwell meetings were authorised by senior DOJ officials, or by President Trump himself, it could raise ethical and political questions about the independence of the Justice Department and the lengths to which the administration is willing to go to manage the narrative surrounding Epstein’s legacy.
While the White House has not commented directly on Blanche’s prison visit or whether clemency is on the table, observers expect the issue to feature prominently in the coming weeks as more members of Congress weigh in.
For now, the question remains: What is Maxwell willing to say — and at what cost?
Additional reporting by Capitol Press Pool
