Maxwell to Invoke Fifth in Epstein Probe Before Congress

Ghislaine Maxwell, the woman serving a 20-year prison sentence for helping Jeffrey Epstein traffic underage girls, will refuse to answer questions from US lawmakers today. The House Oversight Committee scheduled her deposition for February 9, 2026, to examine how Epstein's case was handled and his ties to influential people. Maxwell, appearing by video link from a low-security prison in Texas, intends to invoke her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination on every key question.

Background

Jeffrey Epstein died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. He faced accusations of abusing dozens of girls at his homes in New York, New Mexico, and on his private island. Ghislaine Maxwell, his close associate for years, was convicted in 2021 on charges of recruiting and grooming minors for Epstein. She got 20 years in prison and has been appealing her case ever since.

Epstein ran in elite circles. He knew presidents, business leaders, and celebrities. Flight logs from his private jet, nicknamed the Lolita Express, show trips with figures like former President Bill Clinton and Britain's Prince Andrew. No charges came against most of these people despite years of investigations. Maxwell's role put her at the center of efforts to identify who else knew about or took part in the abuse.

The House Oversight Committee, led by Republican Chairman James Comer, started looking into the Epstein files last year. They released millions of pages, including unredacted versions now going to Congress. The probe asks why federal authorities did not charge more people even after all this evidence came out. Democrats and Republicans on the committee want answers about protections for the powerful.

Maxwell moved to a minimum-security prison in Texas last year after meetings with top Justice Department officials. She talked to them about Epstein-related matters but did not stay silent then. Now, facing Congress, her lawyers say she will take a different path.

Key Details

The deposition happens behind closed doors today. Maxwell's team told the committee she will read a prepared statement at the start. After that, she plans to refuse all substantive questions, claiming the Fifth Amendment each time. This blanket approach means no back-and-forth with lawmakers.

Questions from Representative Ro Khanna

California Democrat Ro Khanna sent a letter to Chairman Comer yesterday. He listed seven specific questions he wants to ask Maxwell. Khanna wants confirmation that she will plead the Fifth on each one. His questions go to the heart of the Epstein scandal.

They include who the four named co-conspirators are that Maxwell mentioned in a court filing last month. She said they, plus 25 other men, settled secretly and avoided charges. Khanna asks for their names and why prosecutors let them go free.

He also questions Maxwell about her ties to Epstein and former President Donald Trump. Photos show the three together at events. Khanna wants to know if Maxwell or Epstein ever gave underage girls access to Trump.

Other questions cover client lists Epstein and Maxwell kept, possible pardon talks with Trump, and links to foreign governments like those tied to Russia or Israel.

"It is my understanding that Ms. Ghislaine Maxwell intends to invoke her Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination and decline to answer all substantive questions at her upcoming deposition." – Representative Ro Khanna, in letter to Chairman Comer

Khanna notes Maxwell did not plead the Fifth in past talks with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. Those meetings covered similar ground, he says. He wants his letter added to the official record.

Maxwell's lawyers asked Congress for legal immunity so she could speak freely. Lawmakers turned them down. The committee sees her silence as a chance to highlight gaps in the Epstein investigation.

The probe also plans depositions with Bill and Hillary Clinton. The Clintons want theirs public to avoid political spin from Republicans. Trump, a longtime Epstein friend, has not been called yet. His party controls the committee.

What This Means

Maxwell's refusal limits what Congress learns today. Lawmakers hoped for names, evidence, and details on why so few faced charges. Without her answers, the focus shifts to the files themselves. Unredacted documents could reveal more about Epstein's network.

The Fifth Amendment lets people stay silent to avoid incriminating themselves. Courts allow it question by question, but Maxwell wants to use it broadly. This could set a tone for other witnesses. If powerful figures follow her lead, the probe stalls.

Public interest stays high. Epstein's death and Maxwell's trial exposed failures in the justice system. People want to know if connections protected abusers. Congress gaining full files might lead to new reviews, though the Justice Department says no more prosecutions are planned.

Khanna's questions spotlight uncharged people. Maxwell's habeas petition last December named co-conspirators not pursued. Answering could reopen old cases or embarrass officials. Her silence keeps those names hidden for now.

Trump's past comments add layers. He once said he might look at pardoning Maxwell. No pardon came, but questions about talks persist. The committee might call him later, testing party lines.

Maxwell serves her time but fights release. Her appeals claim trial flaws. This deposition, even silent, keeps her case in headlines. It reminds everyone Epstein's story involves more than two people.

The Oversight Committee pushes for accountability. Depositions like this build pressure on agencies that handled Epstein. Results could prompt laws on elite sex crimes or better file handling. For now, Maxwell's choice echoes through Washington.