Washington, D.C. – On Friday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) released the full transcript and audio recordings of a two-day, closed-door interview conducted in late July with convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell, led by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, a former personal attorney to President Donald Trump.
The release, announced by Blanche on X “in the interest of transparency,” follows intense public and political backlash over the Trump administration’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein’s case, particularly its July memo declaring the case closed and dismissing calls for further disclosure of Epstein’s ties to powerful figures.
Maxwell’s transfer to a minimum-security prison camp in Texas shortly after the interview has fueled accusations of favoritism and witness tampering, deepening distrust in the administration.
The Maxwell Interview – Contents and Context
The DOJ released a 337-page transcript in four parts and over a dozen audio files, segmented due to recording breaks and size limitations, with only victims’ names redacted, per Blanche’s statement to NBC News.
Conducted on July 24 and 25, 2025, at a Tallahassee federal courthouse, the nine-hour interview saw Maxwell, serving a 20-year sentence for her role in Epstein’s sex trafficking scheme, questioned about Epstein’s connections to prominent figures, including Trump, former President Bill Clinton, and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Maxwell provided no incriminating information, telling Blanche, “I never witnessed the president in any inappropriate setting in any way,” and denying the existence of an Epstein “client list.”
Maxwell’s praise of Trump raised eyebrows: “President Trump was always very cordial and very kind to me. And I just want to say that I admire his extraordinary achievement in becoming the President now. And I like him, and I’ve always liked him,” she said.
She also claimed no knowledge of Trump’s alleged 2003 birthday letter to Epstein, which Trump denies writing, and disputed a photo of Prince Andrew with Virginia Giuffre as “fake.” Maxwell’s limited immunity under a proffer agreement ensured her statements couldn’t be used against her unless she lied, but Blanche clarified, “I’m not promising to do anything.”
Backlash and Accusations of Favoritism
The interview and Maxwell’s subsequent transfer from a low-security Florida prison to a minimum-security Texas facility have sparked accusations of special treatment.
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) wrote to the DOJ, stating, “These actions raise substantial concerns that the Administration may now be attempting to tamper with a crucial witness, conceal President Trump’s relationship with convicted sex offenders, and coax Ms. Maxwell into providing false or misleading testimony.”
Brittany Henderson, an attorney for Epstein’s victims, said, “Ghislaine Maxwell was federally indicted on two perjury counts… I can’t imagine that her testimony will be given much weight,” suggesting she’s seeking a pardon from Trump.
The transfer, followed public outcry over the DOJ’s refusal to release Epstein files, despite Trump’s campaign promise to do so. The House Oversight Committee, led by Rep. James Comer, subpoenaed thousands of Epstein-related documents, which the DOJ began delivering on August 22. Critics, including the Giuffre family, condemned the interview as giving Maxwell “a platform to rewrite history,” especially since she wasn’t challenged on her court-proven lies.
On X, reactions are polarized. Supporters like @LibsofTikTok celebrated Maxwell’s exculpation of Trump, posting, “Liberals are going to explode,” while critics like @CalltoActivism argued, “Maxwell’s transfer screams deal-making—Trump’s DOJ is protecting him, not justice.” The release aligns with internal pressure from Trump’s base, including FBI Director Kash Patel, to address Epstein conspiracy theories, though Maxwell’s denial of a “client list” may not satisfy them.
Why It Matters
The Maxwell interview’s release reflects the administration’s attempt to quell outrage over Epstein’s ties to Trump, who acknowledged their friendship ended in 2004 but has faced scrutiny over a reported 2003 birthday letter, per The Wall Street Journal.
The DOJ’s transparency move, coupled with turning over files to Congress, may temporarily appease critics, but ongoing investigations into deleted DHS texts and Signal messages, suggest systemic opacity.
Democrats, led by figures like Barack Obama and Rep. Mikie Sherrill, are leveraging these issues, with betting markets giving them a 71% chance of retaking the House in 2026. GOP infighting, exemplified by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Gaza comments, and Steve Bannon’s warnings of midterm losses add pressure. If Maxwell’s testimony yields no new leads, as ABC News suggests, it may fuel perceptions of a cover-up, especially given Blanche’s ties to Trump.
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What’s Next?
The DOJ’s release may not resolve the Epstein case’s lingering questions, particularly as Maxwell’s credibility is questioned and her pardon hopes persist. The House Oversight Committee’s review of Epstein files, expected to be public after redacting victim identities, will keep the issue alive.
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