Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Ca.) have publicly debated whether Ghislaine Maxwell, a convicted sex trafficker, should receive a pardon in exchange for her testimony regarding Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged associates. Both lawmakers weighed in on the Justice Department’s recent meetings with Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for conspiring with Epstein to sexually abuse minors. Massie expressed support for the idea that if Maxwell has information that could help the investigation, she should testify. He argued that her cooperation should be prioritized as long as it is truthful. He also emphasized the need to compel her testimony through legal means, if necessary.
Khanna, however, strongly opposed the idea of a pardon in exchange for her cooperation. He criticized Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche for meeting with Maxwell and pointed out that she has been indicted twice on perjury charges. Khanna argued that this raises questions about her credibility and stressed the need to release the so-called Epstein files. The files, which have been a subject of intense public scrutiny, contain evidence related to Epstein’s alleged crimes. However, the DOJ released a two-page memo stating that it does not contain a ‘client list’ and there is no ‘credible evidence’ that Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has been at the center of the debate, as some interpreted the DOJ’s statement as suggesting the ‘client list’ was sitting on her desk. She later clarified that she was referring to the Epstein case files, not a client list. This ambiguity has fueled skepticism among the MAGA base and other critics, who demand further transparency. Meanwhile, the two representatives introduced the ‘Epstein Files Transparency Act’ on July 15, which would require the federal government to release all the files. Speaker Mike Johnson has been actively opposing this legislation, calling for House Republicans to delay a vote on the issue until September to avoid a floor vote on the legislation.
Johnson accused Massie of engaging in ‘political games’ by joining forces with Democrats to push for the legislation. Massie, in turn, warned that Republicans could face backlash in the midterm elections if they fail to deliver transparency on the Epstein issue. The debate has highlighted the tension between the demand for accountability and the push for transparency, with both sides accusing each other of political motivations. As the investigation into Epstein’s alleged crimes continues, the controversy over the Epstein files and the potential for pardons remains a major point of contention in Congress.