A startling new poll has revealed that nearly half of Americans believe former President Donald Trump should pardon Ghislaine Maxwell, the disgraced socialite and convicted accomplice of Jeffrey Epstein.
The survey, conducted by a leading research firm, found that 48% of respondents supported the idea of a presidential pardon for Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for her role in Epstein's sex trafficking ring.
Public Opinion Divided
The results have ignited fierce debate across the United States, with many expressing shock at the level of support for Maxwell. Legal experts have been quick to point out that presidential pardons are typically reserved for federal crimes and cannot be applied retroactively once a president leaves office.
Political Reactions
Democratic lawmakers have condemned the poll findings, calling them "deeply disturbing" and evidence of how Epstein's network continues to divide public opinion. Meanwhile, some Trump supporters have argued that Maxwell deserves clemency, though the former president has not commented on the matter.
Maxwell's Current Status
The 62-year-old British socialite was convicted in December 2021 on five counts related to sex trafficking of minors. She is currently incarcerated at a low-security federal prison in Florida, where she has reportedly been working as a yoga instructor for fellow inmates.
Legal analysts note that while Trump did issue several controversial pardons during his presidency, including one for his former advisor Steve Bannon, there is no indication he ever considered clemency for Maxwell.
Poll Methodology
The survey sampled 1,500 registered voters across all 50 states, with a margin of error of ±3%. Interestingly, support for a potential pardon was highest among Republican voters and men aged 35-54.
As the 2024 election campaign heats up, these findings are likely to fuel further discussion about justice, privilege, and the lingering shadow of the Epstein scandal on American politics.
