Live updates: Justice Department expected to meet with Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell; Trump will visit Federal Reserve
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DOJ Deputy Attorney General Interviews Ghislaine Maxwell in Prison
Above: Todd Blanche, U.S. deputy attorney general, speaks in Washington on April 21, 2025. Image copyright: Kent Nishimura/Bloomberg/Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
The DOJ is making a genuine effort to uncover the truth about Epstein's crimes and potential co-conspirators. Maxwell has never been properly interviewed by federal authorities despite being the key figure who worked closest with Epstein. Her willingness to answer every question without invoking privileges suggests she may have valuable information about others involved in the trafficking operation.
Narrative B
Relying on testimony from a convicted sex trafficker raises serious questions about credibility and whether this is genuine oversight or political theater. Maxwell has every incentive to deflect blame and provide unreliable information to reduce her sentence or shift responsibility. Congress should focus on systemic reforms rather than seeking sensational testimony from someone with questionable motives.
Narrative C
The timing and circumstances of Blanche's meetings with Maxwell raise serious concerns about political interference in justice. Having Trump's former personal lawyer conduct these interviews creates obvious conflicts of interest, especially when Maxwell could potentially receive a presidential pardon. This appears designed to control the narrative rather than pursue genuine justice.