Ghislaine Maxwell believes Trump will pardon her but now isn’t ‘the best time’ to pursue it

WorldPolitics
17 Apr 2026 • 10:55 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Ghislaine Maxwell believes Trump will pardon her but now isn’t ‘the best time’ to pursue it

Ghislaine Maxwell's attorney, David Oscar Markus, believes there is a good chance she could receive a pardon, describing her as a "scapegoat."

Markus stated that Maxwell "obviously wants clemency" but acknowledged that "now is not the best time" to pursue it.

Donald Trump has not ruled out pardoning Maxwell, previously stating he would "speak to the DOJ" about the possibility.

Lawmakers, particularly Democrats, and victims' families strongly oppose any clemency for Maxwell, citing her role in Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking crimes.

Maxwell, convicted of sex-crime charges and sentenced to 20 years, has indicated she is prepared to speak fully if granted clemency.

IN FULL

Ghislaine Maxwell’s lawyer thinks Trump will pardon her for Epstein-related crimes: ‘There’s a good chance’