Waiting Out the Epstein Storm: Why Maxwell Thinks Trump Might Grant a Pardon Later (4/22/26)

Ghislaine Maxwell’s legal team is openly positioning a potential presidential pardon from Donald Trump as both a strategic goal and a bargaining chip, while acknowledging the timing is politically sensitive. Her attorney has indicated that Maxwell “obviously wants clemency” and believes there is a realistic chance she could receive it, but has deliberately held off on aggressively pursuing a pardon while the Epstein scandal remains at the center of public and political scrutiny. The calculation appears to be that once attention fades, a formal push for clemency could become more viable, especially given Trump has not definitively ruled it out in the past.At the same time, the idea of a pardon remains highly controversial and uncertain. The White House has publicly downplayed the possibility, stating that it is not something currently under consideration, even as Trump himself has historically left the door open by saying he could “take a look” at Maxwell’s case. The broader context—ongoing investigations, political pressure, and Maxwell’s own legal appeals—has turned the pardon discussion into a flashpoint, with critics warning that any clemency would provoke significant backlash, especially given her conviction and central role in Epstein’s abuse network.to contact me: [email protected]:Ghislaine Maxwell’s lawyer thinks Trump will pardon her for Epstein-related crimes: ‘There’s a good chance’ | The Independent