In a significant development in the ongoing scrutiny of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, the U.S. Department of Justice has formally contacted attorneys for Ghislaine Maxwell, signaling plans to meet with the convicted sex trafficker as part of renewed efforts to uncover the full scope of Epstein’s criminal network.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed on social media Tuesday that he had reached out to Maxwell’s legal team under the direction of Attorney General Pam Bondi, stating:
“Justice demands courage. For the first time, the Department of Justice is reaching out to Ghislaine Maxwell to ask: what do you know?”
The announcement comes amid a wave of political and public criticism over the federal government’s handling of documents related to Epstein, including decades-old grand jury materials and persistent questions about alleged co-conspirators.
Maxwell’s attorney, David Oscar Markus, confirmed to CNN that discussions with the DOJ are underway and emphasized Maxwell’s willingness to cooperate:
“Ghislaine will always testify truthfully. We are grateful to President Trump for his commitment to uncovering the truth in this case.”
DOJ Seeks Grand Jury Testimony as Public Demands Accountability
Blanche’s outreach follows a DOJ request to a federal judge to unseal grand jury testimony from Epstein’s case—an unusual move that could shed light on powerful individuals linked to Epstein’s alleged trafficking network.
The request was reportedly made at President Donald Trump’s direction, after the Wall Street Journal published a controversial 2003 birthday letter allegedly sent to Epstein bearing Trump’s name and a drawing of a nude woman. Trump has denied the letter’s authenticity and is suing the publisher.
The renewed push for transparency comes after Bondi, a longtime proponent of releasing DOJ-held Epstein records, stated earlier this month that no evidence of a “client list” exists, nor does any evidence support the theory that Epstein was murdered in federal custody—conclusions that have sparked outrage among Trump’s base and critics alike.
Political Pressure Mounts for Maxwell’s Testimony
Several conservative lawmakers are demanding congressional testimony from figures connected to the case. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has called for hearings and pointed to Maxwell as a potential witness. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) echoed that sentiment, saying he would “love to see Maxwell testify” before the Senate but stopped short of blaming Trump for the administration’s limited disclosures so far.
Despite growing interest in unearthing more information, DOJ officials emphasized that any release of grand jury materials must follow strict legal procedures. A federal judge must consult with both victims and any uncharged individuals named in the testimony to protect their identities and rights under federal law.
Legal and Political Implications
Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence in federal prison for aiding Epstein in grooming and sexually abusing underage girls, could now become a key source of information as federal investigators revisit the case with what Blanche describes as a “no lead is off-limits” approach.
Whether Maxwell’s cooperation will lead to new charges or broader public disclosure remains to be seen.
Still, her voice may now play a pivotal role in shaping the public’s understanding of a scandal that continues to cast a long shadow over the U.S. legal system and political elite.
