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House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said Sunday that Jeffrey Epstein’s former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell deserves a life sentence, rejecting the idea of a potential pardon for the convicted sex trafficker.
In an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Johnson was asked if he supported a pardon for Maxwell, but the speaker emphasized that the decision ultimately belongs to President Donald Trump.
“I think 20 years was a pittance,” Johnson said of Maxwell’s time behind bars. “I think she should have a life sentence, at least. I mean, think of all these unspeakable crimes.”
“I mean it’s hard to put into words how evil this was and that she orchestrated it and was a big part of it, at least under the criminal sanction, I think is an unforgivable thing,” Johnson added, acknowledging that federal prosecutors identified more than 1,000 victims, many of whom were underage. “So again, not my decision, but I have great pause about that as any reasonable person would.”
GHISLAINE MAXWELL SUBPOENAED BY HOUSE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE AMID EPSTEIN FILES PUSH
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., speaks to members of the media outside the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on July 23, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
While leaving the White House on Friday en route for Scotland, Trump was asked if he considered a pardon or clemency for Maxwell. The president left the door open, responding: “I’m allowed to do it, but it’s something I have not thought about.”
Johnson said he supports the position of the president, the FBI and the Justice Department that “all credible evidence and information” be released, but emphasized the need for safeguards to protect victims’ identities. As for Maxwell, she was questioned by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche at federal prison in Tallahassee, Florida, for two consecutive days last week. Her lawyer told reporters she answered questions on about 100 potential Epstein associates…
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