White House refuses to rule out pardon for | Political News

President Donald Trump’s Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed a query about pardoning Epstein affiliate Ghislaine Maxwell today, main some to imagine it might still be on the desk.

A journalist requested Leavitt, “Is the president going to rule out a pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell? Her legal team seems to be making a case for one?” Trump’s press secretary answered, “It’s not a priority. He’s focused on many of the issues that the American people are dealing with.”

Maxwell obtained a 20-year prison sentence for her involvement in a decade-long scheme with Jeffrey Epstein to inappropriately exploit and abuse a number of underage ladies.

On Monday, Maxwell participated in questioning via video hyperlink from the federal prison facility in Texas where she’s presently serving a 20-year sentence for intercourse trafficking.

She’s dealing with renewed consideration as lawmakers attempt to examine how Epstein, a well-connected financier, was in a position to inappropriately abuse underage ladies for years. Maxwell’s legal crew then indicated she would refuse to reply questions unless she obtained clemency.

Earlier, the White House pointed to earlier statements from the president suggesting a pardon wasn’t under consideration.

Republican Rep. James Comey, who leads the House Oversight Committee, confronted mounting stress to proceed with Maxwell’s deposition while concurrently working to implement subpoenas against former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Following Comer’s risk of contempt of Congress prices, both agreed to scheduled depositions later this month.

Maxwell obtained a 20-year prison sentence for her involvement in a decade-long scheme with Jeffrey Epstein to inappropriately exploit and abuse a number of underage ladies.

Following the latest release of extra Epstein paperwork, quite a few politicians, celebrities, and business figures have come under elevated scrutiny – though it is price noting that no one pictured in the information has been shown participating in criminal activity or formally charged with crimes in the U.S. thus far, as the evidence contained in the paperwork stays unverified.

In distinction, across Europe, the Jeffrey Epstein information have led to the downfall of a prince, an ambassador, senior diplomats, and outstanding politicians. Ex-UK Ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson, has been dismissed and might doubtlessly face jail time.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is grappling with a management disaster due to the controversy surrounding Mandelson’s appointment. High-ranking people have also been ousted in Norway, Sweden, and Slovakia.

Prior to the latest revelations, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, brother of King Charles III, was stripped of his honors, Royal title, and publicly-funded residence.

Aside from the previous Prince Andrew, none of these people are dealing with allegations of inappropriate misconduct. Their downfall stems from their continued affiliation with Epstein after he was convicted as a intercourse offender.