Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche met with Ghislaine Maxwell for two full days behind closed doors in a federal courthouse in Tallahassee. No reporters were allowed. No transcript was made. Prosecutors stayed out. Blanche, who once served as Trump’s personal attorney, now ranks second in command at the Justice Department. He gave Maxwell limited immunity. In exchange, she answered questions about close to 100 individuals. Her lawyer David Markus said she spoke openly. DOJ says she requested the meeting. The timing raises questions.
Congress had already subpoenaed her to testify on August 11. DOJ moved first. Blanche said the details will come out “at the appropriate time.” The immunity offer only protects her if she tells the truth. Any false statement voids the deal. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence. Her appeal is now pending before the Supreme Court. Markus said she’s thankful for the opportunity and hopes Trump “uses his power in a fair and just way.” When asked, Trump said he had not thought about a pardon. Then added that he has the authority if he chooses to act.
The DOJ and FBI recently combed through 100,000 pages from the Epstein files. They concluded there is no client list, no blackmail material, and no charges left to file. Blanche’s visit took place days after that announcement. Victims and their attorneys were left out of the process. Jack Scarola, who represents 20 survivors, asked to be present. He was denied. Annie Farmer, who testified against Maxwell in court, said the meeting felt like a betrayal. She said victims were excluded from the conversation entirely.
Markus insists there is no backroom agreement. No promises were made. Still, he also said Maxwell would not turn down any form of relief. DOJ sources confirmed that Trump’s name comes up several times in the Epstein records. Blanche, speaking briefly, said justice requires backbone. He also said no name is off the table. Despite that, he went into the meeting alone. No aides. No observers.
Maxwell’s brother says she is compiling material she did not have access to during trial. Her legal team says she was made into a political scapegoat. They insist she is finally telling the full story. They say the truth will surface.
DOJ officials say they are trying to put every detail on record. Blanche says this is the first time any U.S. administration has formally asked Maxwell what she knows. The talks are finished. The notes are sealed. A pardon is still on the table.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/top-doj-official-todd-blanche-meeting-with-ghislaine-maxwell/
https://www.abcnews.go.com/US/deputy-ag-blanche-set-meet-2nd-day-ghislaine/story?id=124064062
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/24/jeffrey-epstein-ghislaine-maxwell-doj-meeting.html
