Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted associate of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, refused to answer questions during a closed-door deposition before the US House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on Monday, drawing sharp criticism from lawmakers across party lines.
According to committee members, Maxwell invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and declined to provide testimony related to Epstein’s criminal network, alleged accomplices, or the abuse of underage girls.
Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year federal prison sentence after being convicted in 2021 for facilitating Epstein’s sexual exploitation of minors.
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer expressed disappointment following the deposition, saying lawmakers had hoped to gain clarity on the scope of Epstein’s crimes and whether others were involved.
“We had serious questions about the criminal enterprise she was part of and any potential co-conspirators,” Comer told reporters. “None of those questions were answered.”
Democratic members of the committee accused Maxwell of using the deposition as a platform to push for presidential clemency and urged President Donald Trump to publicly rule out any such consideration.
Virginia Democrat James Walkinshaw said the deposition failed to advance the investigation, adding that Maxwell’s silence appeared strategic rather than cooperative. “What we witnessed was another attempt to seek clemency, not accountability,” he said.
Maxwell’s attorney, David Markus, defended her decision, stating that she has an active habeas petition challenging what he described as an unfair trial process. He said Maxwell would be willing to testify fully if granted clemency by President Trump.
“If the goal is to uncover the full truth, there is a clear path forward,” Markus said in a statement shared publicly. “Ms. Maxwell is prepared to speak honestly if clemency is granted.”
The deposition took place as the US Department of Justice released millions of internal documents related to the Epstein case. Among the newly disclosed materials are photographs of Trump with several unidentified women and a suggestive note addressed to Epstein bearing Trump’s alleged signature. Trump has denied any wrongdoing, said he severed ties with Epstein years before Epstein’s 2008 conviction, and claims the note is fabricated.
Comer confirmed that additional depositions are planned as part of the ongoing investigation. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is scheduled to testify on February 26, followed by former President Bill Clinton on February 27.
Maxwell’s lawyer stated that both Trump and Bill Clinton are innocent of any misconduct, adding that Maxwell could clarify misconceptions if allowed to speak freely.
