Ghislaine Maxwell, convicted for her role in Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking crimes, invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination during a closed-door hearing before a U.S. Congressional committee on February 10, 2026. The development comes as scrutiny intensifies regarding Epstein’s network and potential connections to prominent figures.
According to House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, Maxwell refused to answer any questions posed by lawmakers, a result he called “very disappointing.” Committee members had sought information regarding the crimes committed by Maxwell and Epstein, as well as potential co-conspirators. Democratic Representative Suhas Subramanyam suggested Maxwell’s silence was a tactic to secure a potential pardon from President Trump.
Did Ghislaine Maxwell promise silence to the Trump administration after meeting with the Attorney General?
Maxwell’s legal team had requested immunity from prosecution in exchange for her testimony, a request the committee denied. Her lawyers argued that without immunity, the proceedings would amount to “purely political theater.”
Deputy Attorney General Blanche had questioned Maxwell for two days in July. Shortly after, Maxwell was transferred to a federal facility in Texas, which has been described by critics as having minimal security – leading to accusations of a “wellness prison.” Concerns have been raised that Maxwell may have offered the Trump administration a pledge of silence, potentially regarding the apparent close ties between the former president and Epstein.
Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell connected to hearing from prison
The committee hearing was held behind closed doors. Lawmakers reported that Maxwell appeared via video link from the prison where she is serving a 20-year sentence. She was convicted in 2022 on charges related to sex trafficking of minors.
Epstein, a financier with connections to influential figures in politics and business, allegedly abused more than a thousand minors and young women with the help of Maxwell, and in some cases provided them to prominent individuals. He was first convicted in 2008 of soliciting prostitution from a minor and received an 18-month sentence following a controversial plea deal.
Epstein found dead in jail in 2019
In 2019, Epstein was arrested again on charges including sex trafficking of minors. He was found dead in his Fresh York jail cell in August 2019, with authorities ruling his death a suicide.
At the end of January, the Department of Justice released over three million pages of documents related to the Epstein case. While no new criminal proceedings are currently expected in the U.S., the release has implicated numerous individuals in politics and business in scandals, forcing some to resign after their connections to Epstein or details of those connections became public.
Clintons expected to testify in Epstein case before Congress in late February
Former President Bill Clinton is scheduled to testify before the Congressional committee later this month. Former presidential candidate and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also intends to appear. The couple has requested a public hearing to prevent what they fear will be manipulation by the Republican Party.
Trump was not subpoenaed to testify by the Republican-led committee. No wrongdoing has been proven against either the Clintons or Trump to date.
This news was broadcast on Deutschlandfunk on February 10, 2026.
