Acting Attorney General Says Justice Department Will Not Recommend Pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told a Senate Appropriations subcommittee on Tuesday that the Justice Department will not recommend a pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell. Blanche made the statement during his first congressional testimony since taking the post last month.

The hearing focused on the department’s fiscal 2027 budget request, but Democratic lawmakers raised questions about the handling of Jeffrey Epstein files and contact with survivors.

Blanche’s Testimony and Victim Meetings When Sen.

” Blanche also said he has met with lawyers for Epstein survivors and victims. He disputed claims that he had not met with any of them, stating he would “absolutely” meet with survivors who reach out.

A coalition of Epstein survivors issued a statement after the hearing saying Blanche has not met with any of them. The group noted they had previously sought meetings with former Attorney General Pam Bondi and other department officials without success.

Annie Farmer, one of the signatories, said she sent a letter to Blanche before he met with Maxwell last year. She welcomed his statement against recommending a pardon but asked that he also commit against recommending commutation of Maxwell’s sentence.

Maxwell was convicted in 2021 of federal sex-trafficking charges tied to her role with Epstein. She is serving a 20-year sentence.