‘He’ll do it!’ Lawyer sparks firestorm over Donald Trump's pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell

The possibility of a presidential pardon has once again pulled the Epstein case back into the spotlight. At the center of the latest debate is a defense lawyer known for taking on controversial clients. His comments have reignited political tension and public scrutiny around one of the most talked-about criminal cases in recent years. And now, questions are swirling over whether clemency could actually happen.

The legal fight surrounding Ghislaine Maxwell has taken a fresh turn after her attorney, David Oscar Markus, openly suggested she could receive clemency from Donald Trump, as per a report by Politico.

“I don’t know what the percentages are,” Markus said. “There’s a good chance, and for good reason, that she would get a pardon.”


His remarks have added fuel to an already volatile political conversation tied to the legacy of Jeffrey Epstein and the ongoing fallout from his crimes.

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Why does her lawyer believe a pardon is possible?

Markus, a seasoned defense attorney, has built a reputation representing high-profile and often polarizing figures. Speaking about Maxwell, he framed her as someone unfairly targeted.

“I think she’s a scapegoat,” he said in an extended interview last month. “She would never have been prosecuted had Jeffrey Epstein not committed suicide, or whatever, however he died.”

Maxwell, once a British socialite and longtime associate of Epstein, is currently serving a 20-year sentence after being convicted in 2022 on multiple charges, including trafficking of a minor, as per a report by Politico.

Her legal team is now focused on the narrow path that remains — clemency. Markus has also indicated that Maxwell could testify before Congress if granted it, after previously invoking her Fifth Amendment rights.

What role does the Epstein case still play?

The Epstein scandal continues to cast a long shadow over politics and public life. Since Epstein’s death in 2019, the case has triggered investigations, resignations, and ongoing scrutiny of those connected to him.

Lawmakers have continued to push for accountability. California Rep. Robert Garcia, involved in the congressional probe, strongly pushed back on the idea of clemency, as per a report by Politico.

“Ghislaine Maxwell is a convicted offender who helped Jeffrey Epstein traffic young women and girls, and she refused to answer a single question before the Oversight Committee,” he said. “The idea that she deserves a pardon is disgusting and outrageous.”

Despite the criticism, Markus maintains his focus. “They have their own job to do, and they’re trying to make their constituents happy,” he said. “I’m trying to protect my client.”

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How complicated is the path to clemency?

The road to a potential pardon is anything but straightforward. Political pressure has intensified, particularly after the Justice Department and FBI announced they would not release further information tied to the Epstein case, sparking backlash.

At the same time, questions about Trump’s past association with Epstein have resurfaced, though the president has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and stated the relationship ended years before Epstein’s 2019 arrest.

Trump himself has not committed either way on a pardon. According to previous remarks referenced by the White House, he has said he has not thought about it — but has also not ruled it out, as per a report by Politico.

Markus acknowledged the timing challenge. “[Maxwell] obviously wants clemency. There’s no secret about that. I don’t think now is the best time to do it, with everything going on,” he said. “We’re not on a full court press right now.”

Behind the scenes, Markus has been actively engaged with the Justice Department. He played a role in facilitating a meeting between Maxwell and senior officials, including Todd Blanche, in 2025.

During that meeting, Maxwell stated she had not seen Trump engage in inappropriate behavior and said she “admire[d] his extraordinary achievement in becoming the President now,” according to a transcript.

Following the meeting, she was transferred to a minimum-security prison camp in Texas, a move that drew questions from lawmakers. Markus denied any connection between the meeting and the transfer, saying safety concerns were the reason.

Markus’ career has consistently placed him in high-stakes cases. A former student of Alan Dershowitz, he has represented figures across the political spectrum, including Hillary Clinton and others tied to major legal battles.

“I like the big stage,” Markus said, reflecting on his approach to choosing clients.

That mindset is now being tested in what may be one of his most controversial cases yet. The outcome remains uncertain, but the stakes — legal, political, and public — could hardly be higher. Maxwell’s fate hinges on a decision that has yet to be made, even as the debate surrounding it grows louder by the day.

FAQs

Is Ghislaine Maxwell seeking a pardon?
Yes, her lawyer confirmed she wants clemency.

Has Donald Trump decided on a pardon?
No, he has said he hasn’t made a decision.