The House Oversight Committee is preparing to subpoena Ghislaine Maxwell, a convicted associate of Jeffrey Epstein, as lawmakers seek further information related to Epstein’s criminal activities and connections. A spokesperson for the committee confirmed that steps are being taken to depose Maxwell “as expeditiously as possible.” The development comes amid increasing calls—even from within former President Donald Trump’s circle—for the release of additional files tied to Epstein’s case.
Jeffrey Epstein, who was facing federal sex trafficking charges, died in jail in 2019, prompting years of speculation and conspiracy theories surrounding his death. In a move that reflects the renewed interest in his connections, a House Oversight subcommittee on Tuesday unanimously approved a motion directing Chair James Comer to issue a subpoena for Maxwell. Only four members were present during the vote, but the motion passed without objection.
Representative Tim Burchett of Tennessee, who initiated the motion, had been given the go-ahead by Chair Comer, a Republican from Kentucky. A spokesperson explained that the motion allows the committee to “formally consider whether to proceed” and confirmed that coordination with the Department of Justice and Bureau of Prisons would be necessary to determine an appropriate date for Maxwell’s deposition. As Maxwell is currently in federal custody, the logistics of her testimony will involve cooperation with multiple federal agencies.
Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence in a Florida federal prison after her 2021 conviction on federal sex trafficking charges. She was found guilty of recruiting and grooming girls who were then sexually abused by Epstein. Her potential testimony could provide key information about the broader scope of Epstein’s activities and possible associates.
Neither Maxwell’s legal counsel nor the Bureau of Prisons has commented publicly on the committee’s efforts to compel her testimony. The Department of Justice also declined to issue a statement. However, earlier on Tuesday, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that he would reach out to Maxwell’s attorneys to determine whether she would be willing to speak with prosecutors at the DOJ.
“President Trump has told us to release all credible evidence,” Blanche said in a statement shared on X by former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. The statement added that if Maxwell “has information about anyone who has committed crimes against victims, the FBI and the DOJ will hear what she has to say.”
David Oscar Markus, legal counsel for Maxwell, confirmed that his team is “in discussions with the government and that Ghislaine will always testify truthfully.” The nature of those discussions remains unclear, but they suggest preliminary negotiations are underway.
When questioned in the Oval Office during a meeting with the president of the Philippines, former President Trump said he was unaware of Blanche’s actions but expressed support for the outreach. “I don’t know about it, but I think it’s something that would be, sounds appropriate to do,” Trump said.
Conclusion
The House Oversight Committee’s plan to subpoena Ghislaine Maxwell underscores the enduring public and political interest in uncovering more details about Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal network. With bipartisan pressure building and potential cooperation from Maxwell’s legal team, the coming weeks may bring further disclosures. Coordination between Congress, the Department of Justice, and federal prison officials will be essential in determining whether Maxwell’s testimony will be heard and what new information it may reveal.
