Washington, D.C. – The House Oversight Committee announced its intent to subpoena Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted associate of Jeffrey Epstein, "as expeditiously as possible." This development follows a unanimous vote by a House Oversight subcommittee to direct Chairman James Comer to issue the subpoena, aiming to compel Maxwell's testimony while she is incarcerated. "Since Ms. Maxwell is in federal prison, the Committee will work with the Department of Justice and Bureau of Prisons to identify a date when Committee can depose her," stated the House Oversight Committee, as shared by Nick Sortor on social media.
The bipartisan move was spearheaded by Representative Tim Burchett (R-TN), who successfully introduced a motion directing the committee to issue the subpoena. This action underscores a growing congressional push for greater transparency and information regarding the late financier Jeffrey Epstein's network and activities. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence for her role in sex trafficking.
Concurrently, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has also expressed a desire to meet with Maxwell. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the DOJ would seek to interview Maxwell, indicating that if she possesses "information about anyone who has committed crimes against victims, the FBI and the DOJ will hear what she has to say." This parallel effort from the executive branch highlights the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the Epstein case.
The decision to subpoena Maxwell comes amid a broader political firestorm concerning the release of additional documents related to the Epstein investigation. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have been pressing for more information, with some suggesting that the subpoena is part of a larger effort to ensure all relevant details come to light. Congressional subpoenas carry the weight of a court order, making Maxwell's potential testimony a significant step in these ongoing inquiries.
The committee's next steps involve coordinating logistics with federal authorities to arrange Maxwell's deposition. Her attorney, David Oscar Markus, has confirmed that discussions are underway with the government, stating that Maxwell "will always testify truthfully." This unprecedented move to depose a federal inmate by a congressional committee reflects the continued determination to uncover the full scope of the Epstein scandal.