Executive Summary
The Story So Far
Why This Matters
Who Thinks What?
Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted associate of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has claimed in a recently released transcript of a July interview with US officials that a highly anticipated “client list” of Epstein’s associates does not exist. During the interview with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, Maxwell also denied witnessing any inappropriate conduct by President Donald Trump or former President Bill Clinton. The interview took place as Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking, is seeking a pardon from President Trump and has been accused of lying to federal officials.
Denial of “Client List” and Other Figures
Maxwell stated directly, “There is no list,” when questioned about an alleged “client list” of high-profile personalities. This list has been the subject of conspiracy theories suggesting it was being hidden to protect prominent individuals involved in Epstein’s crimes.
During the interview, Maxwell was asked about several other well-known figures, including Bill Gates, Elon Musk, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, actor Kevin Spacey, and model Naomi Campbell. She did not provide information linking these individuals to inappropriate conduct.
President Trump’s Association with Epstein
Maxwell discussed the relationship between President Trump and Epstein, stating she believed they were friendly “in social settings” but not close friends. She explicitly denied witnessing any inappropriate behavior by President Trump. “The President was never inappropriate with anybody,” Maxwell said, adding, “In the times I was with him, he was a gentleman in all respects.”
She also stated she does not recall President Trump sending Epstein a 50th birthday note in 2003, which had recently garnered media attention. The interview with Maxwell was conducted by Todd Blanche, who had previously served as President Trump’s personal attorney.
Prince Andrew Allegations
Maxwell addressed her relationship with Prince Andrew, whose association with Epstein led to his stepping down from royal duties. She denied introducing the Duke of York to Epstein, calling it a “flat untruth.”
She also commented on allegations against Prince Andrew regarding sexual relations with an underage girl in her home, describing them as “mind-blowingly not conceivable.” Maxwell specifically disputed the authenticity of a “famous photo” depicting Prince Andrew, an unnamed woman, and herself in the background, telling Blanche the photo is “fake.”
The unnamed woman is understood to be Virginia Giuffre, who accused Prince Andrew of sexually abusing her when she was 17. Prince Andrew denied the allegations and reached a financial settlement with Giuffre in 2022 without admitting liability. Giuffre’s family has condemned the Justice Department for interviewing Maxwell, calling her a “monster” whose testimony should not be trusted.
Maxwell’s Relationship with Epstein and Views on His Death
Maxwell stated she first befriended Epstein in 1991, and they subsequently developed a sexual relationship. Even after that relationship ended, she claimed Epstein continued to pay her up to $250,000 annually by 2009, maintaining a “friends with benefits” arrangement. She added that their relationship was “almost non-existent” between 2010 and his death.
Regarding Epstein’s death by suicide in a New York jail cell in 2019, Maxwell remarked, “I do not believe he died by suicide, no.” However, she dismissed theories that he was murdered to silence him as “ludicrous,” stating she had “not any reason” to believe such claims and suggesting that if a murder was intended, it would have been easier outside of jail.
Political Pressure and Transparency
The release of Maxwell’s transcript comes amid mounting pressure on President Trump, including from within his own Republican Party, for more transparency regarding investigations into Epstein. Reports earlier this year indicated that Attorney General Pam Bondi had informed Trump that his name appeared in files related to the case, though he has never been accused of wrongdoing.
President Trump had initially pledged to publicize more information about the case during his campaign but later reversed his position, stating the case was closed. The White House has maintained that “no leniency is being given or discussed” in Maxwell’s case. The House Oversight Committee recently received the first round of subpoenaed files from the Justice Department, with plans to make them public after redacting sensitive information related to victims and ongoing investigations.
