Jeffrey Epstein’s former girlfriend, who is currently in prison, has denied witnessing any inappropriate interactions between Donald Trump and others, as revealed in documents released by the U.S. Justice Department on Friday. The administration, facing criticism for withholding records in the sex-trafficking case, made public transcripts of interviews conducted with Ghislaine Maxwell by U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.
Maxwell praised Trump and refuted claims of his misconduct during the interviews. Trump’s past association with Epstein has raised concerns, leading to continued scrutiny of the administration’s handling of the case. The administration’s decision to release the transcripts is seen as an attempt to address political challenges arising from unfulfilled expectations and controversial statements.
Maxwell stated that she never saw Trump in any inappropriate situations and described him as a gentleman. She mentioned meeting Trump in the 1990s through her father’s connections and visiting his Mar-a-Lago estate but had not seen him since the mid-2000s. Maxwell also denied hearing any allegations of Trump’s inappropriate behavior with masseuses or others.
Convicted in 2021 for aiding Epstein in abusing teenage girls, Maxwell was granted immunity for her interviews with Blanche. Following the interviews, she was transferred to a minimum-security prison in Texas. Her lawyer claimed her innocence and criticized her trial. The Justice Department has started sharing investigation records with the House Oversight Committee for public release after removing sensitive information.
The Epstein case, linked to figures like Prince Andrew, Bill Clinton, and Trump, has garnered public interest. Maxwell distanced herself from Epstein’s actions, denying her involvement in criminal behavior despite acknowledging his preference for younger women. Epstein’s arrest in 2019 on sex-trafficking charges and subsequent death in jail added to the case’s complexity.
The FBI and Justice Department’s announcement of Epstein’s suicide fueled conspiracy theories, leading to demands for transparency. Comments from officials and previous statements by Patel and Bongino further fueled suspicions of withheld information. The administration’s handling of evidence and promises of disclosures have faced skepticism and divided opinions within the government.
Despite initial promises of releasing evidence, the Justice Department later decided against further disclosures, citing victim protection and court-sealed materials. Trump’s attempts to deflect questions about Epstein and criticism from his base indicate efforts to move past the controversy. The Justice Department’s response to congressional requests signals a willingness to provide information for scrutiny.