Ghislaine Maxwell Refuses to Answer Congress in 2026

In a high-stakes virtual showdown on Monday, February 9, 2026, Ghislaine Maxwell appeared before the House Oversight Committee via video link from her federal prison camp in Texas. However, despite months of anticipation and a formal subpoena, the 64-year-old convicted sex trafficker refused to provide any new information, repeatedly invoking her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.

The deposition, which lasted less than an hour, was part of a broader congressional investigation into the late Jeffrey Epstein’s network and the government’s historical failure to prosecute his co-conspirators.

The "Clemency" Gambit

The most striking development of the hearing was not Maxwell’s silence, but the "counteroffer" made by her legal team. Her attorney, David Oscar Markus, told the committee that Maxwell is "prepared to speak fully and honestly," but only under one condition: Clemency from President Donald Trump.

In a statement that has sparked intense political debate, Markus suggested that Maxwell’s testimony would provide a "straightforward path" to the truth and would notably "clear" both Donald Trump and former President Bill Clinton of any wrongdoing in their respective relationships with Epstein.

“Ms. Maxwell alone can explain why, and the public is entitled to that explanation,” Markus stated, framing the silence as a legal necessity due to her pending habeas petition.

"Robotic and Unrepentant": Lawmakers React

Members of the Oversight Committee emerged from the closed-door session with sharp criticism for Maxwell’s demeanor. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) described her as "robotic" and "unrepentant," while Representative Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) accused her of using the hearing as a political leverage tool.

• James Comer (R-KY): The Committee Chairman expressed deep disappointment, stating, “We had many questions to ask about the crimes she and Epstein committed as well as questions about potential co-conspirators.”

• The "Pardon" Strategy: Democrats on the panel argued that Maxwell is deliberately staying silent to "campaign for a pardon," banking on the fact that her silence protects powerful individuals who may have influence in the current administration.

The Context: The 2026 Epstein File Dump

Maxwell's deposition follows the massive release of over 3 million pages of unredacted Epstein-related documents by the Department of Justice in early 2026. These files have already created "storms" in several countries:

• United Kingdom: Fresh scrutiny of Prince Andrew and former Ambassador Peter Mandelson.

• Norway: Investigations into former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland.

• The U.S.: Increased pressure to identify the "25 men" Maxwell previously claimed had entered secret settlements to avoid indictment.

What Happens Next?

While Maxwell has refused to talk, the House Oversight Committee is moving forward with its witness list. Later this month, the committee is scheduled to depose:

1. Hillary Clinton (February 26, 2026)

2. Bill Clinton (February 27, 2026)

3. Les Wexner, Richard Kahn, and Darren Indyke (Dates TBD)

Despite Maxwell's refusal, Chairman Comer insisted the committee would continue to "enforce subpoenas" to ensure the American public gets a full accounting of how Epstein’s operation flourished for decades.

Source - https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgv5yre39zo

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