Key Facts
• July 25, 2025: Trump claims authority to pardon Ghislaine Maxwell.
• Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence for aiding Jeffrey Epstein in sexual abuse of minors.
• Trump denies considering a pardon but suggests cooperation with ongoing investigations.
• Deputy Attorney General Branch, a former Trump lawyer, scheduled a second meeting with Maxwell.
• Critics, including some Republicans, warn against potential misuse of pardon power.
• House Oversight Committee Chair Comer calls any pardon request “unacceptable.”
• Wall Street Journal reports Trump’s name appears in DOJ records on the case.
• WSJ highlights a letter allegedly written by Trump to Epstein, which Trump denies.
• Trump files a defamation lawsuit against WSJ’s parent company and Rupert Murdoch.
• Trump denies visiting Epstein’s Caribbean property, linked to alleged abuse.
• Trump urges focus on other individuals, including hedge fund figures, in the case.
Summary
Former President Donald Trump stated on July 25, 2025, that he has the authority to pardon Ghislaine Maxwell, convicted for aiding Jeffrey Epstein in the sexual abuse of minors, but denied considering such action. Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence, and Trump suggested a pardon could be conditional on her cooperation with ongoing investigations. Critics, including Republicans, warned against potential misuse of pardon power, with House Oversight Chair James Comer deeming it “unacceptable.” The Wall Street Journal reported Trump’s name in DOJ records related to the case but clarified it does not imply criminal involvement. Trump denied allegations of a letter to Epstein and filed a defamation lawsuit against WSJ’s parent company. He also refuted claims of visiting Epstein’s Caribbean property and urged focus on other individuals involved in the case.
