David Awoyode
The Justice Department has released transcripts and recordings from a two-day interview with convicted sex-trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell, conducted on July 24–25 under a “queen for a day” agreement that protected her from further charges.
Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence, was questioned by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche about her ties to Jeffrey Epstein, his finances, and conspiracy theories surrounding his life and death.
Praise for Trump, Clinton, and Tech Billionaires
Maxwell spoke favorably of former President Donald Trump, describing him as “cordial” and praising his election victory as an “extraordinary achievement.” She denied he had acted inappropriately with anyone in Epstein’s circle.
She also claimed her personal ties to Bill Clinton were stronger than Epstein’s, insisting that “President Clinton was my friend, not Epstein’s friend.” Maxwell said she attended Chelsea Clinton’s wedding and was “very central” to starting the Clinton Global Initiative.
Maxwell acknowledged knowing several tech figures, including Elon Musk, Sergey Brin, and Reid Hoffman, but made no allegations against them.
Hint at a Mystery Female Billionaire
Maxwell suggested that Epstein’s business dealings included work for an unnamed Ohio-based female billionaire, though she could not recall her name. Epstein’s wealth was already known to be tied to clients such as Les Wexner and Leon Black, both of whom have denied wrongdoing.
Dismissing Conspiracy Theories
Maxwell rejected claims that Epstein worked with intelligence agencies or ran blackmail operations using hidden cameras. She said Epstein only installed security cameras in Palm Beach to catch a staffer stealing from him.
Disputes Over Giuffre and Prince Andrew
Maxwell again dismissed Virginia Giuffre’s allegations, calling her a liar and claiming a widely circulated photo of herself with Prince Andrew and Giuffre was fabricated. She said it was “not conceivable” that sexual activity could have occurred in her small London home.
Clinton, Trump, and Epstein’s 50th Birthday Letters
When asked about reports that Trump had written a bawdy birthday letter to Epstein, Maxwell said she could not recall. Trump has denied the letter’s existence and is suing The Wall Street Journal over the claim.
Maxwell emphasized that she never saw Bill Clinton receive a massage or engage with Epstein sexually, insisting Epstein was “just a rich guy with a plane.”
Unanswered Financial Questions
Blanche did not press Maxwell on Epstein’s ties to other financiers such as Peter Thiel or to his long-time lawyer and accountant, who now oversee his estate. Court filings show Epstein’s assets will eventually be distributed to beneficiaries, though it remains unclear if Maxwell could benefit.
Charles Esther