The US Senate has unanimously passed a resolution opposing any presidential pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell, the longtime associate of Jeffrey Epstein who is serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex-trafficking crimes. The non-binding measure, introduced by Senator Jacky Rosen of Nevada, states that Maxwell should not receive a pardon or any form of clemency for her role in the sexual exploitation of minors.
Speaking on the Senate floor, Rosen described the idea of clemency as “horrifying” and said the unanimous vote sent a clear message to the White House that there should be no special treatment for Maxwell. The resolution also asserts that granting her clemency would be inconsistent with justice and accountability for crimes involving children.
The vote comes after Maxwell exhausted her appeals, with the US Supreme Court declining to hear her petition last October. President Donald Trump has previously said he would “have to take a look” at the possibility of a pardon, while acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told lawmakers in May that he would not recommend one.
Earlier this year, Maxwell invoked her Fifth Amendment right during a congressional deposition, refusing to answer questions unless granted clemency. Reports have suggested that some lawmakers were divided over whether a pardon in exchange for her cooperation in the Epstein investigation would be appropriate.
An attorney representing Epstein survivors condemned any talk of clemency, saying it would “turn justice on its head” and risk rewarding the person who helped enable the abuse. The Senate resolution was passed on the same day that Blanche faced confirmation proceedings for his permanent appointment as attorney general.
