Donald Trump is reportedly contemplating a significant decision concerning Ghislaine Maxwell, who was involved in sex trafficking activities with Jeffrey Epstein.
In 2021, Maxwell received a 20-year prison sentence after being found guilty by a jury of recruiting underage girls for Epstein, a notorious sex offender.
The court convicted her of charges including sex trafficking minors, conspiracy to entice minors to travel for illegal sexual activities, and conspiracy to transport minors for the same purpose.
Maxwell’s legal team has consistently challenged her conviction, arguing that she should have been protected by a non-prosecution agreement previously established between Epstein and the US government, as reported by ABC News.
She has made several attempts to secure a retrial over the years, but all have been rejected by federal courts.
During a press conference in the Oval Office on Monday (7 October), President Trump was questioned about whether he would consider granting Maxwell a pardon. Surprisingly, he claimed to have forgotten who Maxwell, an associate of his former acquaintance Epstein, was.
“You know, I haven’t heard the name in so long. I can say this, that I’d have to take a look at it. I would have to take a look,” the Republican president remarked.
In a surprising turn, Trump stated he was unaware of the case, despite its extensive media coverage.
“I’ll look at it … a lot of people have asked me for pardons,” Trump continued.
“I wouldn’t consider it or not consider — I don’t know anything about it. I will speak to the DOJ,” he added.
Trump’s recent remarks followed the Supreme Court’s rejection of Maxwell’s latest appeal, which was based on an alleged prior non-prosecution agreement.
The Department of Justice had urged the highest court in the US to dismiss the appeal.
David Oscar Markus, Maxwell’s lawyer, expressed to the Independent that her legal team felt ‘deeply disappointed’ by the recent decision.
“But this fight isn’t over. Serious legal and factual issues remain, and we will continue to pursue every avenue available to ensure that justice is done,” he stated.