Ghislaine Maxwell invoked her fifth amendment right against self-incrimination on Monday, refusing to answer questions during a closed-door deposition before the House oversight committee. The move drew sharp criticism from Democratic Representative Robert Garcia, who accused her of protecting powerful figures linked to Jeffrey Epstein.
“After months of defying our subpoena, Ghislaine Maxwell finally appeared before the oversight committee and said nothing,” Garcia said in a statement. “Who is she protecting? And we need to know why she’s been given special treatment at a low security prison by the Trump administration. We are going to end this White House cover-up.”
Maxwell’s attorney, David Oscar Markus, confirmed that she had invoked the fifth amendment, but offered a possible path forward: “Ms Maxwell is prepared to speak fully and honestly if granted clemency by President Trump. Only she can provide the complete account. Some may not like what they hear, but the truth matters.” He also claimed that both Presidents Trump and Clinton are innocent of any wrongdoing, and that Maxwell could explain why.
California Representative Ro Khanna, co-sponsor of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, noted the inconsistency in Maxwell’s silence given her previous willingness to answer questions. In July, she sat for a two-day interview with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche without invoking the fifth amendment. “This position appears inconsistent with Ms Maxwell’s prior conduct,” Khanna said.
Khanna had planned to ask Maxwell about “four named co-conspirators” and 25 men who brokered secret settlements, as referenced in her Supreme Court petition. He also intended to question her about any “client lists” naming Epstein’s associates. The Department of Justice has maintained that no such list exists.
