Ghislaine Maxwell was granted limited immunity in DOJ interviews

Ghislaine Maxwell, the former partner of Jeffrey Epstein, was granted limited immunity by the US Department of Justice ahead of a pair of lengthy interviews with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche earlier this week, according to an exclusive report from ABC News.

Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence following her 2021 conviction on sex trafficking and related charges, met with Blanche for a total of nine hours over two days. The interviews, described by her legal team as “thorough” and “comprehensive,” come at a politically volatile moment, as the Trump administration faces mounting calls from its supporters to shed light on the full extent of Epstein’s network and connections.

“This was a thorough, comprehensive interview by the Deputy Attorney General,” Maxwell’s attorney, David Oscar Markus, said in a statement to NewsNation on Friday. “No person and no topic were off-limits. We are very grateful. The truth will come out.”

Neither the DOJ nor Maxwell’s legal team have disclosed the specific topics discussed during the interviews, and the Department has declined to elaborate on whether the talks are part of a broader investigation. When reached for comment by The Hill, DOJ officials did not respond.

According to ABC News, the form of limited immunity granted to Maxwell is commonly used to facilitate cooperation from witnesses in ongoing or potential criminal cases. However, it does not necessarily protect her from future prosecution if new charges arise outside the scope of the current inquiry.

Deputy Attorney General Blanche offered few details but indicated that more information would eventually be made public. “We will share what we can at the appropriate time,” he said.

The interviews—and the immunity agreement—have triggered intense speculation in political circles, with figures from both major parties questioning the timing and transparency of the DOJ’s actions.

House Speaker Mike Johnson voiced doubt about Maxwell’s credibility. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer added that the meeting “stinks of high corruption.”

The White House has so far stayed quiet on the matter. When asked Friday whether he would consider granting Maxwell a presidential pardon, President Trump dismissed the suggestion. “I’m allowed to do it, but it’s something I haven’t thought about,” he told reporters. Later he said the time wasn’t right to talk about pardons. 

Maxwell remains entangled in several legal battles, including an appeal of her conviction now pending before the Supreme Court—a move the DOJ has formally opposed. Additionally, she has been subpoenaed by the House Oversight Committee, which is conducting its own inquiry into Epstein’s associates and possible connections to federal officials.