Ghislaine Maxwell pleads Fifth, offers clemency deal to clear Trump
Maxwell's lawyer says she'll testify if Trump grants clemency
Maxwell's lawyer says she'll testify if Trump grants clemency
On Feb. 9, 2026, Ghislaine Maxwell invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination during a virtual deposition before the House Oversight Committee, refusing to answer questions about Jeffrey Epstein.
Essential concepts and terms to understand this topic
Fourteenth Amendment clause protecting the fundamental rights of U.S. citizens, effectively nullified by the Supreme Court in 1873.
The constitutional principle that federal power is limited to powers explicitly granted in the Constitution.
The fundamental constitutional requirement that government follow fair procedures and apply laws reasonably to protect life, liberty, and property.
Federal courts' constitutional authority to hear cases involving federal law, treaties, and the Constitution itself.
Gideon v. Wainwright established that states must provide lawyers to criminal defendants who cannot afford them, enforcing the Sixth Amendment right to counsel.
Power is divided between the federal government and state governments, each exercising authority in designated areas.
Contact the House Oversight Committee to express your views on Maxwell's clemency request and the investigation. Chairman James Comer: (202) 225-5074; Ranking Member Robert Garcia: (202) 225-6676.
Monitor upcoming Epstein depositions. The committee has scheduled five more: Les Wexner (Epstein's benefactor), Richard Kahn (accountant), Darren Indyke (lawyer), Bill Clinton, and Hillary Clinton.
Track DOJ's Epstein file releases. Congress mandated full release by Dec. 19, 2025, but DOJ released only a fraction. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) may draft impeachment articles against Attorney General Pam Bondi.