Ghislaine Maxwell Given Limited Immunity During Meetings With Trump DOJ

Ghislaine Maxwell underwent approximately nine hours of questioning with the Justice Department over the course of two days this week after being granted limited immunity, as reported by sources familiar with the situation.

According to sources who spoke to ABC News, Maxwell was the one who initiated contact and arranged meetings with the Trump DOJ. The immunity agreement permitted Maxwell to answer questions posed by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche without the concern that her responses could later be used against her, as per the information provided to the outlet.

This type of arrangement, referred to as proffer immunity, is frequently offered to individuals whom prosecutors are considering as potential cooperators in ongoing criminal investigations. Maxwell has already faced trial, been convicted, and sentenced for sex trafficking underage girls.

A subsequent meeting with Maxwell on Friday lasted approximately three hours, according to the report.

Following that second meeting, Maxwell’s attorney, David Markus, informed ABC News, “There have been no asks and no promises.”

Markus indicated that Maxwell was questioned about “perhaps 100 different individuals” during her interview with the deputy attorney general and that she responded to every question posed. He remarked: “She didn’t hold anything back.”

He refrained from disclosing details regarding the individuals Maxwell was questioned about or whether she provided information concerning others who may have allegedly committed crimes against victims, as Blanche had suggested he was investigating.

“We haven’t asked for anything. This is not a situation where we are asking for anything in return for testimony or anything of that nature,” Markus added on Friday. “Naturally, everyone is aware that Ms. Maxwell would welcome any form of relief.”

Blanche did not address reporters upon his arrival at the federal courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida. Nevertheless, he mentioned on social media that he would reveal what he learned from Maxwell “at the appropriate time.”

Maxwell is contesting her 20-year prison sentence for child sex trafficking and associated offenses related to Epstein, the late financier and convicted sex offender.

“We prefer not to delve into the specifics of the inquiries,” Markus stated previously following Thursday’s meeting. “There were numerous questions, and we spent the entire day addressing them. She responded to each one without ever saying, ‘I will not answer,’ nor did she refuse to respond.”

It is quite rare for a convicted sex trafficker to engage with such a high-ranking official from the Justice Department—especially one who has previously acted as the president’s primary criminal defense attorney, as noted by ABC News.

On Friday, Trump was questioned about the meetings and whether a pardon was being considered for Maxwell.

“I cannot discuss that at this moment because, you know, it’s a very sensitive interview taking place,” Trump replied. He also referred to Blanche as a “great attorney” and added: “I am not fully aware of what is occurring. However, I certainly cannot comment on pardons.”

Trump was further asked if he could trust Maxwell’s statements.

“Well, he is a professional lawyer. He has encountered situations like this before,” Trump remarked, referring to Blanche.

Markus was also inquired whether his client was offered anything in return for her testimony. “No,” Markus replied. “She is committed to telling the truth.”

Markus indicated that Maxwell’s legal team has not yet approached President Trump regarding a pardon but suggested that it remains a possibility in the future.

“We have not yet communicated with the president or anyone about a pardon. And, you know, the president mentioned this morning that he has the authority to do so, so we hope he will exercise that authority in a fair and just manner,” he told ABC News.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Attorney General Pam Bondi informed President Trump in May that his name was mentioned multiple times in the Epstein files, alongside those of other prominent individuals.

Trump has refuted that claim, and being mentioned in the files does not necessarily indicate any misconduct