Key Points:
- Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche says he will soon meet with Ghislaine Maxwell to ask what she knows about other possible sexual abusers.
- Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence for her role in Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking ring.
- Blanche’s move follows public criticism of the Trump administration for withholding investigative records related to Epstein and Maxwell.
A senior Justice Department official said Tuesday he plans to meet soon with Ghislaine Maxwell — the British socialite convicted for aiding Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking operation — to discuss what information she may have about other potential abusers.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche made the announcement in a social media post, stating he would be meeting Maxwell “in the coming days” to determine what she knows and whether she is willing to cooperate with federal investigators.
This follows mounting public criticism over the Trump administration’s decision not to release more files tied to Epstein, the late financier who died in federal custody in 2019 after being charged with sex trafficking minors.
Blanche’s post, which was reshared by Attorney General Pam Bondi, signals a potential shift in the government’s approach — and raises the possibility of Maxwell cooperating in exchange for a reduction in her sentence.
Maxwell’s attorney, David Oscar Markus, confirmed ongoing discussions with prosecutors and said his client “will always testify truthfully.” He also thanked President Trump for “his commitment to uncovering the truth.”
Maxwell was convicted in 2021 of helping Epstein groom and exploit underage girls. She is currently appealing her conviction to the U.S. Supreme Court.
“If Maxwell has credible information about others who harmed victims, we will listen,” Blanche said. “At Attorney General Bondi’s direction, I’ve contacted her legal team to assess her willingness to speak.”
Blanche added, “Until now, no administration made such an inquiry. That changes now.”
A 2000 photograph resurfaced in recent days showing Maxwell and Epstein at Mar-a-Lago with Trump and future First Lady Melania Trump. The image has reignited scrutiny over the former president’s past ties to Epstein, though Trump has long distanced himself from the disgraced financier.
Blanche previously worked as Trump’s criminal defense attorney during several high-profile legal battles between Trump’s first and second terms in office. Asked Tuesday whether he was concerned about Blanche’s involvement, Trump dismissed any issue.
“I think it sounds appropriate,” Trump told reporters. “He’s very talented, very smart. I have no concern.”
The president also dismissed the renewed focus on Epstein as a “witch hunt,” echoing past language he’s used to criticize investigations involving him.
Blanche emphasized that while a recent joint review by the DOJ and FBI uncovered no new evidence to support charges against others, the department remains open to new, credible leads.
“The Department of Justice doesn’t shy away from difficult truths,” Blanche said. “We go where the facts take us.”
