What to know on Trump, Ghislaine Maxwell, and Jeffrey Epstein files: The latest

Over two days, Justice Department officials questioned Jeffrey Epstein’s ex-girlfriend, convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell, as the White House continues to battle calls for more transparency over what Epstein did and who else may have been involved.

It’s unclear what came out of the interview, but Maxwell’s lawyer David Markus said his client answered all of the government’s questions, which covered about 100 people.

“She answered questions about everybody and she didn’t hold anything back,” Markus said, without specifying who was mentioned.

The Justice Department didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment on what came out of the interview.

The talks follow more than two weeks of bubbling outrage from members of President Donald Trump’s base over the department’s announcement in early July that it won’t release its files on Epstein. DOJ said a systematic review of the files didn’t turn up any list of clients involved in Epstein’s crimes.

Even some congressional Republicans have clamored for the files’ release or introduced legislation to try to force the Trump administration’s hand. Republican leadership has so far blocked the legislation and White House officials continue to resist those calls.

Still, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has suggested that Maxwell could reveal new details about Epstein’s circle and crimes.

Here is all the latest on the fallout:

July 25: Maxwell lawyer signals desire for pardon
Maxwell was convicted in 2021 of trafficking a minor to Epstein for sexual abuse, and for conspiring to entice and transport minors for illegal sex acts. She is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence, and has an appeal pending at the U.S. Supreme Court.

Markus indicated July 25 that his client could ask for a pardon soon, following the two days she spent talking to Justice Department officials July 24-25.

“We haven’t spoken to the president or anybody about a pardon just yet,” he said. “The president this morning said he had the power to do so. We hope he exercises that power in the right and just way.”

Trump has the power to pardon Maxwell fully as well as to commute her prison sentence. But to many, that might look more like reducing than enhancing accountability – especially if Maxwell offers little in return.

In the morning on July 25, Trump said he hasn’t thought about pardoning Maxwell, but also didn’t rule it out.

“I’m allowed to do it, but it’s something I have not thought about,” Trump said. “I certainly can’t talk about pardons now.”

July 25: 16% of voters in poll approve of Trump administration on Epstein
Only 16% of of voters who responded to a poll released July 25 by Emerson College Polling approved of the Trump administration’s handling of the Epstein files. Fifty-one percent disapproved, while 33% were neutral.