Maxwell invokes Fifth Amendment, ends House Oversight deposition after under an hour; attorney urges Trump clemency for full testimony
Ghislaine Maxwell invoked the Fifth Amendment during a closed-door virtual deposition before the House Oversight Committee on Feb. 9, 2026, ending the interview in under an hour as her attorney publicly requested clemency from President Trump in exchange for full testimony.
Key takeaways
- Deposition ended quickly: Maxwell invoked the Fifth Amendment and declined to answer questions, terminating the virtual session in under an hour. Sources: ABC News, CBS News.
- Clemency condition: Attorney David Oscar Markus said Maxwell will only give full public testimony if granted clemency by President Trump and stated she could not implicate Trump or Bill Clinton. Sources: ABC News, CBS News.
- Investigation continues: Chairman James Comer called the refusal “disappointing” and said the committee will proceed with planned depositions of high-profile witnesses.
Deposition ends quickly after invocation of Fifth Amendment
Monday’s interview was scheduled as a closed-door, virtual deposition in the House Oversight Committee’s bipartisan investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. Less than an hour after court-appointed attorney David Oscar Markus began, Maxwell declined to answer questions and invoked the Fifth Amendment — the constitutional protection against self-incrimination. Committee staff had warned members the interview would end if Maxwell chose that route. (Sources: ABC News, CBS News.)
Markus’s statement and clemency condition
At the start of the closed session, Markus read a statement that both cleared President Donald Trump and former President Bill Clinton of implication in Maxwell’s account and said Maxwell would only provide a complete, public testimony if granted clemency by President Trump. Markus said Maxwell “has no indication that President Trump or President Clinton were involved,” and that pending legal matters — including a petition filed in New York federal court — meant she would otherwise remain silent. Markus also posted those remarks on X. (Sources: ABC News, CBS News.)
Committee response and next steps
House Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) said Maxwell’s decision was “disappointing” but pledged the probe would press on. Comer announced a slate of upcoming depositions: billionaire Leslie Wexner (Feb. 18), Hillary Clinton (Feb. 26) and former President Bill Clinton (Feb. 27), plus interviews with Epstein’s accountant and lawyer in the coming weeks. The committee is also pursuing documents from the Department of Justice, Epstein’s estate, former attorneys general and former FBI directors linked to work under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. (Sources: ABC News, CBS News.)
Partisan and survivor reactions
Democrats on the committee criticized the clemency pitch as an effort to trade freedom for testimony and to avoid accountability. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.) said Maxwell has shown no remorse and is leveraging political ties for release. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) said victims will not find closure through a clemency deal, and Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) accused the Justice Department of preferential treatment after Maxwell’s transfer to a low-security facility in Bryan, Texas following a summer meeting with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. Republicans highlighted Markus’s statement clearing Trump and Clinton; Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) cited the reading as proof neither was implicated. Chairman Comer said he rejects granting immunity or clemency and emphasized bipartisan support for survivors.
Legal background and Maxwell’s sentence
Maxwell was convicted in 2021 on multiple federal counts for recruiting and grooming underage girls for Jeffrey Epstein over roughly a decade. She is serving a 20-year sentence at a low-security federal facility in Bryan, Texas. The House subpoena for Maxwell dates to July 2025, and committee staff said Markus previously offered limited cooperation in exchange for immunity or clemency. Markus also represented Maxwell during a two-day July 2025 interview with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche; her subsequent transfer within the federal prison system drew scrutiny from lawmakers and advocates. (Sources: CBS News, ABC News.)
Epstein Files Transparency Act and document requests
The deposition comes amid committee work tied to the Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed into law in November 2025. The law released certain Justice Department records and the committee has since sought additional documents from the DOJ, Epstein’s estate and former senior officials, using subpoenas and threats of contempt where necessary to secure interviews and records from high-profile figures. (Source: CBS News.)
Video and reporting of the session
The deposition was conducted virtually and closed to the public. Video of related committee briefings and statements by lawmakers has circulated online, including committee clips posted to public platforms. Major outlets confirmed the early end to the deposition, Markus’s clemency pitch, and the committee’s plans for further questioning of Epstein-connected witnesses. (Sources: CBS News, ABC News, YouTube clip, YouTube clip.)
Why Maxwell invoked the Fifth Amendment
Legal analysts and committee sources said Maxwell’s invocation likely reflects concern about ongoing legal exposure and the risk that testimony could be used against her in other federal or state proceedings. Markus referenced a pending petition in federal court in New York that could affect Maxwell’s legal standing; without a guarantee of clemency or immunity, he said, Maxwell would refuse to answer questions that might harm her legally. The Fifth Amendment is a common protection for witnesses with potential criminal exposure. (Sources: CBS News, ABC News.)
Implications for San Luis Obispo, California
Economic impact
The federal probe and hearings are unlikely to have direct economic effects on San Luis Obispo County businesses or jobs. Renewed national attention can increase local news consumption and modestly boost newsroom traffic and advertising. Tourism and local commerce are not expected to be affected substantially, though regional outlets may see increased engagement. (Context: national reporting cycles; local media trends)
Political consequences
For politically moderate voters in San Luis Obispo, the deposition highlights how congressional oversight can become a partisan media event. Local officials may face constituent pressure to take public stances, but the issue is likely to remain primarily national. The committee’s bipartisan schedule of depositions could reassure moderates seeking balance. (Context: House Oversight Committee schedule)
Social effects
Survivors’ advocacy groups often look to federal investigations for accountability. Maxwell’s refusal to testify publicly may reopen wounds for survivors who hoped testimony would clarify how Epstein’s abuse continued. Local victim-support organizations in San Luis Obispo may receive renewed requests for help or commentary; community leaders and service providers should be prepared for increased outreach. (Context: survivor statements and Democratic criticism)
Cultural relevance and practical steps
San Luis Obispo’s emphasis on transparency and public safety means national accountability debates resonate locally. The clemency-for-testimony proposal raises ethical and legal questions that could spur civic discussions and opinion pieces. Local leaders, schools and nonprofits should be ready with resources and referrals for people affected by sexual abuse; journalists should verify national reports and explain federal developments for residents. Residents can track committee hearings and filings via the House Oversight Committee and major outlets for updates.
Quote: “Her refusal is disappointing,” said Chairman James Comer, who vowed the committee would continue with a bipartisan slate of depositions and document requests in the probe.
Highlight: The clemency pitch is the central contention — Markus’s demand frames the choice for Maxwell as silence without clemency, or full cooperation with a guarantee. That condition will shape coming political debate and committee strategy.
