Ghislaine Maxwell, convicted in 2021 for her role in Jeffrey Epstein’s sex-trafficking ring, declined to answer any substantive questions during a closed-door deposition before the House Oversight Committee on Monday. She repeatedly invoked her Fifth Amendment right – 12 times – against self-incrimination, frustrating lawmakers from both parties and leaving major questions unresolved.

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Maxwell, appearing virtually from the federal prison in Texas where she is serving a 20-year sentence, offered no details on her involvement in Epstein’s crimes, her knowledge of potential co-conspirators, or any connection to powerful figures allegedly in Epstein’s orbit.

House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer said after the deposition that Maxwell’s silence was a setback for the investigation. “Unfortunately, she had an opportunity today to answer questions that every American has, questions that would be very important in this investigation, and she chose to invoke her Fifth Amendment,” Comer said.

Comer described the outcome as “very disappointing” and reiterated that the committee will continue its work, with several additional depositions already scheduled.

Maxwell’s attorney, David Oscar Markus, told the committee she would be willing to testify fully if she were granted clemency by President Donald Trump. Markus also reportedly asserted, “For example, both President Trump and President Clinton are innocent of any wrongdoing.”

Comer immediately rejected the idea of offering immunity or clemency in exchange for testimony, saying, “I don’t think she should be granted any type of immunity or clemency.”

Ranking Democrat on the committee, Rep. Robert Garcia (D-California), criticized Maxwell’s decision to read a prepared statement without answering questions. “After months of defying our subpoena, Ghislaine Maxwell finally appeared before the Oversight Committee and said nothing,” Garcia said.

Democrats and Republicans agreed that Maxwell’s refusal to speak intensifies scrutiny around the broader probe of Epstein’s network and the government’s handling of related documents. Earlier Monday, lawmakers were granted access to unredacted Department of Justice files tied to the Epstein case under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, but concerns remain about redactions and unanswered questions in the material.

Maxwell’s stance contrasts with an interview she gave last summer to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, where she answered questions under limited immunity and did not invoke the Fifth.

Monday’s deposition was first requested in July 2025, but the committee delayed the session while Maxwell’s appeal worked its way through the Supreme Court.

With Maxwell silent, the committee is pressing ahead. Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are expected to sit for private depositions later this month, and other key figures connected to Epstein’s finances and legal affairs have agreed to testify.