Trump Says He Hasn’t Considered Ghislaine Maxwell Pardon Yet/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump says he hasn’t thought about pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell but affirms he has the authority to do so. He declined to comment further, calling the issue “very sensitive,” as his deputy attorney general continues meetings with Maxwell. Trump also denied knowledge of a lewd Epstein-linked birthday letter bearing his name.
Trump’s Maxwell Clemency Remarks + Quick Looks
- Trump says he hasn’t considered a pardon or commutation for Ghislaine Maxwell
- Acknowledges he has the legal authority to do so
- Calls clemency talks “very sensitive” and praises Deputy AG Todd Blanche
- Blanche has met with Maxwell in Florida to discuss Epstein-linked matters
- Trump claims he doesn’t know about an Epstein birthday letter attributed to him
- Files lawsuit against Wall Street Journal for defamation over the letter report
- Urges media to focus on former President Bill Clinton’s Epstein ties
Trump Says He Hasn’t Considered Maxwell Pardon Yet
Deep Look
President Donald Trump said Friday that while he has the authority to issue a pardon or commutation for Ghislaine Maxwell, he has not considered doing so at this time. Speaking to CNN and reporters at the White House, Trump stated, “It’s something I haven’t thought about. I’m allowed to do it, but it’s something I have not thought about.”
When pressed again, Trump declined to rule out the possibility of clemency for Maxwell but stressed the issue’s sensitivity.
“I can’t talk about that now,” he said, before turning attention to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who met with Maxwell in Florida this week. “He’s a fantastic man, a great attorney,” Trump said, emphasizing Blanche’s professionalism and ability to handle delicate legal matters.
Blanche, a former criminal defense attorney for Trump, is expected to continue his discussions with Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence for her role in Jeffrey Epstein’s long-running sexual abuse operation involving minors. The meetings are part of a broader Justice Department initiative to project transparency in the wake of mounting pressure from Trump supporters and a renewed focus on Epstein-related documents.
Epstein’s Shadow Looms Over Trump
In the same media exchange, Trump addressed a separate report from The Wall Street Journal that described a lewd birthday letter allegedly sent to Jeffrey Epstein in 2003. The article claimed a letter bearing Trump’s name and featuring a crude drawing of a nude woman was included in Epstein’s 50th birthday celebration book. Trump categorically denied knowledge of the letter and suggested it might have been fabricated.
“I don’t even know what they’re talking about,” Trump told CNN. “Somebody could have written a letter and used my name, and that’s happened a lot.”
The day after the Journal’s story was published, Trump filed a defamation lawsuit against the newspaper’s parent company, asserting that no such authentic letter or illustration exists. The legal action represents Trump’s effort to distance himself from any implications tied to Epstein’s network or his criminal activities.
The former president also sought to redirect scrutiny toward former President Bill Clinton, who was reportedly another contributor to the Epstein birthday book.
“Why isn’t the media asking questions about Clinton?” Trump asked.
Clinton’s team responded Thursday, stating through a source that he had not been in contact with Epstein in over two decades and had never been accused of wrongdoing.
“President Clinton has never been implicated in any of Epstein’s crimes,” the source reiterated.
Legal and Political Ramifications
Maxwell’s meetings with the Justice Department have reignited speculation over whether her cooperation could lead to new revelations or even political damage. Trump’s administration continues to walk a fine line between addressing transparency demands and avoiding perception of political favoritism or obstruction.
Meanwhile, legal observers note that presidential clemency powers are virtually unchecked, meaning Trump could act at any time without warning. However, any decision involving Maxwell—especially amid the ongoing Epstein controversy—would likely provoke intense public reaction and bipartisan scrutiny.
Maxwell continues to appeal her conviction. Her legal team has previously indicated she would be open to cooperation if it improves her chances for early release or legal leniency.
As the Justice Department under Deputy AG Blanche gathers more information, it remains unclear what outcomes—legal, political, or judicial—might emerge from the renewed focus on Epstein’s network and Maxwell’s role in it.
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