Senate Unanimously Opposes Pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell

The United States Senate unanimously passed a non-binding resolution on Wednesday opposing any presidential pardon, commutation, or executive clemency for Ghislaine Maxwell. Introduced by Senator Jacky Rosen, the measure signals bipartisan opposition to reducing the 20-year sentence Maxwell is serving for child sex trafficking.

The resolution follows reports that Maxwell offered testimony intended to clear President Donald Trump of wrongdoing regarding Jeffrey Epstein in exchange for leniency. Senator Rosen alleged that the White House previously held serious discussions about a pardon to secure such testimony, describing the idea of clemency for a convicted sex trafficker as horrifying.

While White House officials and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche deny that clemency is under consideration, Donald Trump has repeatedly declined to categorically rule out a pardon. He previously stated he would take a look at the matter and speak to the Department of Justice. The Senate vote occurred as the body considered the permanent nomination of Todd Blanche as Attorney General. Blanche has stated he would not recommend a pardon for Maxwell, though he previously interviewed her in prison seeking new evidence.