Trump: Pardon Maxwell “Allowed, but I haven’t thought about it”

Former U.S. President Donald Trump stirred fresh controversy this week by addressing the possibility of pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell, convicted accomplice of Jeffrey Epstein. When asked during a press interaction whether he would consider granting her a pardon, Trump responded, “I’m allowed to do it, but I haven’t thought about it.”

Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking minors, has long been at the center of conspiracy theories and public debate due to her ties with Epstein and other powerful figures. Trump’s remarks come amid reports that the Department of Justice is revisiting several high-profile elements of the Epstein case.

While Trump didn’t commit to a decision, his comments have reignited political and public discussion about accountability, presidential pardon powers, and the lingering influence of Epstein’s network. Critics have slammed the idea of even considering clemency, while some Trump supporters defend his legal discretion.

So far, no formal move toward a pardon has been initiated.