House Speaker Johnson Skeptical of Ghislaine Maxwell Pardon Amid Intensifying Epstein File Debate
House Speaker Johnson Skeptical of Ghislaine Maxwell Pardon Amid Intensifying Epstein File Debate
House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed strong reservations on Sunday regarding any potential pardon or commutation for Ghislaine Maxwell, currently serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking. His comments come amidst escalating pressure on Donald Trump and his allies to disclose more information related to Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes.
Johnson’s statements, made during an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press, followed reports that Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche met with Maxwell last week. The Speaker stated he would have “great pause” about such a move, emphasizing his belief that her 20-year sentence was a “pittance” for the “unspeakable crimes” she orchestrated alongside Epstein, who died by suicide in jail in 2019. While deferring the ultimate decision to the President, Johnson indicated his personal opposition.
The possibility of a Maxwell pardon has exposed deep divisions within the Republican party. Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY), a vocal proponent for releasing more Epstein information, suggested a pardon could be considered if it compels Maxwell to provide truthful testimony. However, Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA), who has joined Massie in pushing for disclosure, firmly opposes a pardon, raising concerns about Maxwell’s history of perjury and the nature of the Deputy AG’s private meetings with her.
The debate extends to the release of Epstein-related files. Despite Johnson adjourning the House last week, preventing a vote on legislation to release these documents, he affirmed on Sunday that he favors “maximum disclosure.” He defended the delay, arguing that the proposed legislation, crafted by Massie and Khanna, risked unmasking victims’ names and releasing uncorroborated information. Both Massie and Khanna swiftly refuted this, asserting their bill explicitly protects victims’ identities and excludes child pornography, labeling Johnson’s argument a “straw man.”
This ongoing political struggle underscores the complex challenge the Epstein scandal poses for the Republican party and the broader public’s demand for transparency regarding powerful figures involved.
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