Maxwell Invokes Fifth Amendment in Short House Oversight Deposition, Attorney Links Testimony to Possible Clemency
Ghislaine Maxwell invoked the Fifth Amendment during a closed-door virtual deposition with the House Oversight Committee on Feb. 9, 2026, refusing to answer questions about Jeffrey Epstein’s network; her attorney tied future testimony to possible clemency.
- Brief closed-door deposition: Maxwell pleaded the Fifth throughout a virtual session that ended in under an hour (ABC News, Politico).
- Attorney links testimony to clemency: David Oscar Markus said Maxwell would speak if granted clemency by President Trump and asserted no indication of wrongdoing by former Presidents (ABC News, Politico).
- Committee reaction: Leaders from both parties criticized the short session; Chair James Comer released the deposition video and audio to the public (ABC News, Politico, YouTube).
Deposition details and legal posture
Maxwell participated virtually in the House Oversight Committee’s interview on Feb. 9, 2026. Lawmakers and staff had prepared questions about Jeffrey Epstein’s sex-trafficking network and the federal response to his crimes, but Maxwell declined to answer, invoking her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, according to committee officials and reporting (ABC News, Politico).
Legal filings: Her legal team informed the committee that Maxwell is pursuing a habeas corpus petition in federal court in New York seeking a new trial or a sentence reduction. Lawyers argued that answering committee questions could affect pending appeals and legal filings (ABC News).
Attorney statement and clemency link
“She would speak fully and honestly if granted clemency by President Trump,” read David Oscar Markus at the start of the deposition. Markus added that Maxwell had “no indication” that former Presidents Donald Trump or Bill Clinton committed wrongdoing related to Epstein (ABC News, Politico).
Committee response: Chair James Comer rejected any offer of clemency or immunity tied to testimony, stressing the committee’s mission to determine what officials knew and did about Epstein and to seek truth for survivors (ABC News).
Committee reactions and partisan framing
Partisan lines and bipartisan concern: Members reacted sharply. Republicans expressed frustration at the limited session; Democrats accused Maxwell of using the deposition to seek clemency rather than offer information or remorse. Representative Andy Biggs confirmed certain aspects of Markus’s statement; Democrats such as Reps. Suhas Subramanyam and Jasmine Crockett criticized the move as denying victims closure (ABC News, Politico).
Transparency step: To ensure the public could see what occurred, Chairman Comer released the full deposition video and audio (YouTube).
Broader investigation context: the Epstein investigation and next steps
The Oversight Committee’s bipartisan probe examines how federal authorities handled Jeffrey Epstein’s case before his 2019 death in custody. Lawmakers seek internal records, witness testimony and answers about prosecutorial decisions and jail oversight. Maxwell’s refusal to testify leaves a gap the committee must fill with other witnesses and documents (ABC News).
Planned witnesses and actions: The committee has lined up depositions and document reviews, including potential interviews with Leslie Wexner, Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton, and Epstein’s former accountant and lawyer, and plans to review unredacted files at the Department of Justice to pursue additional leads (ABC News, YouTube).
Previous limited interactions and legal context
Maxwell provided limited information to DOJ officials under narrow terms in the past, including a session with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche under limited immunity. She was convicted in 2021 for her role in Epstein’s sex-trafficking operations and is serving a 20-year sentence in a federal facility in Texas (Politico, ABC News).
Legal note: Constitutional experts emphasize that invoking the Fifth is a constitutional right and does not equate to proof of guilt or innocence, but it can limit what a congressional probe can directly learn.
Implications for the Inland Empire, California
Economic impact: The federal inquiry and Maxwell’s deposition are unlikely to affect the Inland Empire’s daily economy directly. However, if Congress presses for more federal resources for trafficking prevention, local nonprofits and clinics in Riverside and San Bernardino counties could access additional grants and services, potentially creating jobs in social support sectors (ABC News, Politico).
Political and social effects: Local officials and voters may press Inland Empire representatives on accountability and oversight of federal prosecutions and corrections. Survivors and advocacy groups could seek more funding and hold forums or town halls to push for survivor-centered policy changes and prevention efforts.
Practical steps for residents: contact local hotlines, county victim services or nonprofit organizations for counseling and legal aid. County agencies may see increased demand for services; local elected officials can request federal assistance or partner with nonprofits to expand outreach (ABC News).
What comes next for the committee
With Maxwell invoking the Fifth, the House Oversight Committee will continue its work: scheduling additional depositions, issuing subpoenas as needed, and reviewing unredacted documents to fill investigative gaps. Lawmakers intend to pursue other witnesses and records to answer questions about prosecutorial decisions, jail oversight, and potential co-conspirators (ABC News, Politico, YouTube).
Media outlook: Reporters covering the Epstein investigation and Oversight Committee hearings will watch upcoming depositions and document disclosures closely for new leads and for how lawmakers respond to a witness who declined to testify.
