Ghislaine Maxwell, an associate of Jeffrey Epstein, met with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche for a second time on Friday, which lasted for about three hours.
Following the meeting, Maxwell’s attorney, David Markus, spoke with ABC News, indicating that the discussions involved a wide range of topics.
Markus confirmed that Maxwell was questioned about nearly 100 different individuals during the interview, emphasizing that she answered all inquiries without hesitation.
“She didn’t hold anything back,” he stated, although he refrained from providing specifics regarding the individuals discussed or whether Maxwell implicated anyone else in alleged crimes against victims, which Blanche was reportedly seeking.
“We haven’t asked for anything. This is not a situation where we are asking for anything in return for testimony or anything like that,” Markus asserted.
Maxwell would welcome any potential relief, he added.
Blanche did not address reporters upon his arrival at the federal courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida.
On social media, he mentioned that he would disclose what he learned from Maxwell “at the appropriate time.”
Sources revealed that Maxwell initiated the initial meeting with Blanche, which took place the previous day and lasted six hours.
Currently, Maxwell is appealing her 20-year prison sentence for child sex trafficking and other offenses linked to Epstein, a convicted sex offender who is now deceased.
Markus mentioned that they prefer not to divulge the details of the questions asked during Thursday’s discussions.
He highlighted that Maxwell engaged fully throughout the interview, never refusing to answer a question.
Having a convicted sex trafficker meet with such a high-ranking Justice Department official is quite extraordinary, especially considering that Blanche previously served as the president’s top criminal defense attorney.
Given this situation, ABC News Chief White House Correspondent Mary Bruce questioned President Donald Trump about the possibility of clemency for Maxwell on Friday.
“I can’t talk about that now because, you know, it’s a very sensitive interview going on,” Trump responded, referring to the ongoing discussions between Maxwell and Blanche.
He described Blanche as a “great attorney.”
Trump mentioned that he was not fully informed about the specifics of the situation, clarifying that he could not discuss the prospect of pardons at this time.
When asked if he could trust Maxwell’s statements to the DOJ during the interviews, Trump noted, “Well, he’s a professional lawyer. He’s been through things like this before.”
After Trump’s comments regarding clemency, ABC News inquired whether it provided Maxwell with any incentive to please Blanche with her information.
Markus promptly dismissed that notion, asserting, “No. She wants to tell the truth.”
Maxwell’s legal team has been in discussion about the possibility of a pardon with Trump but asserted that they have not yet approached him.
“We haven’t spoken to the president or anyone about a pardon just yet.
And listen, the president this morning said he had the power to do so we hope he exercises that power in the right and just way,” Markus stated.
Annie Farmer, one of Maxwell’s trial accusers, expressed her disappointment regarding Maxwell’s recent opportunities for private discussions with high-ranking officials.
“It’s very disappointing that these things are happening behind closed doors without any input from the people that the government asked to come forward and speak against her in order to put her away,” Farmer commented.
She emphasized the significant harm inflicted on many young girls and women as a result of Maxwell’s actions.
Markus reiterated that Maxwell has faced mistreatment during her five years in prison, suggesting that her meeting with Blanche may provide her with a valuable chance to clarify her circumstances while she continues her appeal for a reduced sentence.
He expressed that if one were to look up the term scapegoat in the dictionary, Maxwell’s image would appear next to it.
Stating that she is doing her best to maintain a positive outlook, he affirmed Maxwell’s resilience in these challenging times.
Blanche’s meetings with Maxwell come at a time when the Justice Department is facing increasing pressure from Senate Republicans to disclose more information concerning Epstein and his connections with influential figures.
Questions also linger regarding Trump’s past ties to Epstein, as reports emerge that the former president’s name allegedly appeared in Epstein’s files.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Attorney General Pam Bondi informed Trump that his name was mentioned multiple times in those files along with other high-profile individuals.
Trump, however, has denied those claims, asserting that merely appearing in the files does not imply any wrongdoing.
“I want all the information out,” stated Republican Senator Josh Hawley.
Meanwhile, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham echoed the sentiment, urging for maximum transparency in the matter.
Despite earlier commitments, the Justice Department recently announced that it would not release any further information.
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