White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt just shut down pardon speculation for Ghislaine Maxwell, calling it ‘not a priority’ for President Trump amid demands from her legal team that could undermine justice for Epstein victims.
See the videos below.
Story Snapshot
- Leavitt states Maxwell pardon is not on Trump’s agenda, quoting him as not considering it.
- Maxwell’s lawyer demands pardon or immunity before the August congressional deposition.
- Trump banned Epstein from Mar-a-Lago years ago, consistent with his past criticism of Maxwell.
- GOP-led House Oversight Committee subpoenas Maxwell, but testimony stalls without clemency.
Leavitt Addresses Pardon Questions Directly
Karoline Leavitt fielded questions during the February 10, 2026, White House press briefing on speculation about President Trump pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell. She stated it is “not a priority,” quoting Trump as saying it is “not something he’s considering or thinking about.”
Leavitt referenced Maxwell’s deposition the previous day, where her team raised pardon arguments. This stance prioritizes core administration goals over distractions from past associations. Conservatives appreciate focus on policy wins like border security over elite scandals.
Maxwell’s Conviction and Ongoing Legal Battles
Ghislaine Maxwell serves a 20-year sentence in Tallahassee federal prison after her 2021 conviction for recruiting and grooming underage girls for Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking operation. Epstein died in 2019 in federal custody, ruled a suicide.
In early 2026, the GOP-led House Oversight Committee, under Rep. James Comer, subpoenaed Maxwell for an August 11 deposition on Epstein case handling. Her attorney, David Markus, rejected terms without immunity or pardon, citing risks of further criminal exposure and pending appeals.
Q: “On Ghislaine Maxwell, is the president going to rule out a pardon for her?”
Leavitt: “Again, this is not something I've discussed with the president recently because frankly it's not a priority.” pic.twitter.com/i88W8shoL4
— The Bulwark (@BulwarkOnline) February 10, 2026
Trump’s Historical Stance on Epstein and Maxwell
President Trump banned Jeffrey Epstein from Mar-a-Lago after reports of misconduct, a move Leavitt highlighted as evidence of his early rejection. Trump reportedly called Palm Beach police in 2006, praising their Epstein investigation and labeling Maxwell “evil,” though Leavitt did not confirm details.
Trump recently told reporters on the White House lawn he is “allowed” to pardon Maxwell, l but no requests have come forward. This aligns with his pattern of distancing from Epstein while wielding pardon power judiciously for allies, not criminals.
Leavitt: Pardoning Maxwell 'Not a Priority' for Trump https://t.co/fVZHkjDeQV
— Kai Wang (@wkoowk2001) February 11, 2026
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, Trump’s former lawyer, met Maxwell twice in July 2024 to discuss Epstein, raising questions about potential conflicts. The White House continues to support Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick despite his Epstein ties, emphasizing focus on economic priorities. Maxwell’s history includes a 2022 DOJ note on her “significant pattern of dishonest conduct,” avoiding a perjury trial.
Implications for Justice and Conservative Priorities
Epstein files mention Trump multiple times, but he denies involvement and prioritizes draining the swamp over clemency for traffickers. Victims like Virginia Giuffre’s family demand Maxwell “rot in prison.”
A pardon risks fracturing Trump’s base, which values accountability for crimes against families and children. Short-term, it delays the congressional probe; long-term, it could erode trust in DOJ independence. Leavitt’s deflection keeps focus on victories like mass deportations and border security.
Sources:
Trump Not Considering Pardon For Ghislaine Maxwell
Ghislaine Maxwell Congressional Deposition Immunity Pardon Conditions
