President Donald Trump stated on July 28 that he is legally allowed to pardon Ghislaine Maxwell, the longtime associate of Jeffrey Epstein currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking, but emphasized that no one has approached him about it and that it would be “inappropriate” to discuss the issue at this time.
Speaking at his Turnberry golf resort during a meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump addressed growing scrutiny surrounding his administration’s handling of Epstein-related files and his historical connection to Epstein.
“I’m allowed to give her a pardon, but nobody’s approached me with it. Nobody’s asked me about it,” Trump told reporters. “It’s in the news about that, but right now, it would be inappropriate to talk about it.”
The comments followed reports that Maxwell had met for two days with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who previously served as Trump’s personal defense lawyer. The meetings have drawn criticism from some observers, who view them as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to manage fallout from the Justice Department’s decision not to release thousands of Epstein-related files.
Denial of Involvement in Epstein’s Activities
Trump also rejected recent reports, including one from the Wall Street Journal, which claimed his name appeared multiple times in federal Epstein case files. Attorney General Pam Bondi had reportedly informed the president of this earlier in the year.
“It’s a hoax that’s been built up way beyond proportion,” Trump said, dismissing the allegations.
He further alleged, without evidence, that individuals from the previous administration—such as former President Joe Biden, FBI Director James Comey, and Attorney General Merrick Garland—could have manipulated or fabricated material in the files during their control of the Justice Department.
Denial of Visits to Epstein’s Island
Trump unequivocally denied ever visiting Epstein’s private island in the Caribbean, where much of the alleged trafficking occurred:
“I never had the privilege of going to his island… In one of my very good moments, I turned it down,” he said, adding that many others in Palm Beach were invited.
Trump also claimed he severed ties with Epstein years ago due to a personal dispute:
“He stole people that worked for me. I said, ‘Don’t ever do that again.’ He did it again, and I threw him out of the place,” referring to his Mar-a-Lago club. “Persona non grata.”
Maxwell’s Legal Team Hopes for Presidential Pardon
Maxwell’s attorney, David Markus, told reporters on July 25 that while they haven’t communicated with Trump or the White House, they hope he considers using his presidential authority to pardon her.
“The president this morning said he had the power to do so. We hope he exercises that power in the right and just way,” Markus said.
Trump, however, told reporters that while he has the legal power to issue a pardon, “it’s something I have not thought about.”
Growing Public Pressure
Calls for greater transparency around Epstein’s connections and files have grown, including among members of Trump’s own political base. Public frustration intensified after DOJ and FBI officials recently announced they would not release further information on Epstein’s alleged clients, despite earlier indications they might do so.
Trump’s administration has come under additional scrutiny following reports that he allegedly wrote a sexually suggestive birthday letter for Epstein, which included a drawing of a nude woman. Trump has denied the claim and filed a defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal over the report.
The controversy continues to raise questions about political accountability, transparency, and the Justice Department’s handling of high-profile sex trafficking investigations.
