Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted associate of the late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, appeared virtually before the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on February 9, 2026, but refused to answer any questions, repeatedly invoking her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.

The closed door deposition, conducted via video link from the Federal Correctional Institution in Tallahassee, Texas where Maxwell is serving a 20 year sentence for sex trafficking minors marked a highly anticipated but ultimately fruitless session in Congress’s ongoing probe into Epstein’s criminal network and its connections to powerful figures.

The House Oversight Committee, chaired by Republican Rep. James Comer of Kentucky, subpoenaed Maxwell in July 2025 as part of its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s activities, including the recruitment, grooming, and trafficking of underage girls, as well as any potential involvement or knowledge by high profile associates. The probe gained renewed momentum following the release and ongoing review of previously redacted Epstein related files under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which Congress passed and President Donald Trump signed into law in late 2025.

Committee members sought Maxwell’s testimony to shed light on Epstein’s operations, unindicted co-conspirators, and any broader implications for accountability. Maxwell had initially resisted the subpoena, with her attorney, David Oscar Markus, indicating she would only cooperate if granted immunity or clemency.
During the session, Maxwell declined to respond to questions about her relationship with Epstein, her role in his crimes, or details involving other individuals. Video excerpts later released publicly showed her responding to queries such as whether she was a close friend and confidant of Epstein with variations of: “I would like to answer your question, but on the advice of counsel, I invoke my Fifth Amendment right.”

Her attorney read a prepared statement during the deposition, asserting that Maxwell remained silent due to ongoing legal considerations, including a pending petition in federal court. Markus explicitly conditioned her full cooperation on receiving clemency from President Trump, stating she would then “speak fully and honestly” and testify that neither Trump nor former President Bill Clinton engaged in wrongdoing related to Epstein.

Chairman Comer described the outcome as “very disappointing” but “as expected,” telling reporters afterward that Maxwell “took the Fifth and refused to answer any questions.” Ranking Democratic Member Rep. Robert Garcia of California condemned the appearance, saying, “After months of defying our subpoena, Ghislaine Maxwell finally appeared before the Oversight Committee and said nothing. She answered no questions and provided no information about the men who raped and trafficked women and girls.”
The session drew sharp bipartisan criticism, though along partisan lines. Republicans expressed frustration at the lack of new information, while Democrats accused Maxwell of protecting powerful figures and suggested her clemency bid pointed to potential influence or a “White House cover-up.” Some lawmakers highlighted survivor demands for full transparency and accountability beyond Maxwell’s conviction.

Victim advocates and Epstein survivors expressed disappointment, viewing the deposition as another instance of evasion in a case that has long frustrated calls for broader justice. Discussions in Congress have included resolutions opposing any pardon or commutation for Maxwell, with bipartisan sentiment against clemency.