Details from a confidential 2022 interview with convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell, where she reportedly "exonerated" Donald Trump, are drawing renewed attention. During a secret nine-hour sit-down with Department of Justice (DOJ) attorneys, Maxwell stated she never observed anything concerning from Donald Trump, according to sources familiar with the matter. This interview, conducted by Deputy Assistant Attorney General Todd Blanche, was recorded, and its potential public release was under consideration by the DOJ at the time.
The interview took place in Florida in April 2022, ahead of Maxwell's sentencing for her role in Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking ring. Sources close to the proceedings, as reported by CNN and ABC News in May 2022, indicated that Maxwell did not disclose any information "harmful" to Trump. The Justice Department had recorded the extensive conversation, prompting discussions about making the audio public to enhance transparency surrounding the Epstein case.
The tweet highlights that "Attorney General Pam Bondi is weighing whether to release an audio recording of the interviews." However, federal investigations fall under the purview of the U.S. Department of Justice, which was led by Attorney General Merrick Garland in 2022. Pam Bondi, a former Florida Attorney General, was not involved in federal decisions regarding Maxwell's interviews or the release of such recordings.
Todd Blanche, who served as a Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the DOJ's Criminal Division at the time, led the questioning of Maxwell. His involvement underscores the federal government's interest in gathering comprehensive information related to Epstein's network. Blanche later transitioned to private practice, notably joining Donald Trump's legal team in 2023 for unrelated matters.
While calls for transparency in the broader Jeffrey Epstein case have led to the unsealing of various documents in 2024, there are no specific recent reports as of August 2025 indicating a renewed push or decision regarding the release of these particular Ghislaine Maxwell DOJ interview audio recordings concerning Donald Trump. The resurfacing of these past statements comes amid ongoing public interest in the full scope of Epstein's activities and associates.