Political Divide Grows Over Ghislaine Maxwell Pardon as Bipartisan Pressure Mounts for Epstein Files Release

In a rare display of bipartisan unity, Representatives Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Thomas Massie (R-KY) are spearheading a congressional campaign to force the release of federal files related to Jeffrey Epstein’s long-suspected trafficking network. But beneath their shared mission, sharp divisions are emerging — particularly over the future of Epstein’s most infamous accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell.

During a joint appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press this weekend, the lawmakers reaffirmed their support for transparency “on behalf of the victims,” but clashed on whether a presidential pardon for Maxwell could be justified in exchange for her cooperation.

“Whatever they need to do to compel [Maxwell’s] testimony, as long as it’s truthful, I would be in favor of,” said Rep. Massie, hinting at openness to reduced sentencing if it meant uncovering the full truth.

Khanna disagreed bluntly.

“No, I don’t believe Maxwell should be pardoned,” he told moderator Kristen Welker. “She’s already been convicted of sex trafficking and indicted for perjury. This isn’t someone we should reward — it’s someone who should be held accountable.”

Speaker Johnson Joins the Debate — But Keeps His Distance

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) also weighed in during a separate interview, describing the idea of a pardon as morally fraught and politically toxic.

“If you’re asking my opinion, I think 20 years was a pittance,” Johnson said, referencing Maxwell’s 2021 sentencing. “She should have received a life sentence. The sheer magnitude of the harm — it’s hard to put into words.”

Still, Johnson emphasized that the decision ultimately rests with President Donald Trump, telling Meet the Press, “I won’t get in front of him. That’s not my lane.”

Trump, for his part, offered a characteristically ambiguous statement last week when asked directly about pardoning Maxwell: “I’m allowed to do it, but it’s something I have not thought about.”

Political Fallout as DOJ, White House Face Transparency Demands

At the heart of this debate lies a broader bipartisan push to declassify documents related to Epstein’s operations, which allegedly involved powerful figures in politics, finance, and entertainment. On Truth Social, Trump claimed he had instructed Attorney General Pam Bondi to pursue court approval for the release of pertinent grand jury materials.

Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche — who reportedly interviewed Maxwell for two full days last week — have since filed a motion in Manhattan federal court to unseal parts of the record. Meanwhile, a federal judge in Florida rejected a separate Justice Department request to release grand jury transcripts from its own Epstein probe.

Multiple officials within the DOJ have expressed concern that making these records public could endanger victims’ privacy or retraumatize survivors. But both Khanna and Massie reject that rationale as a political smokescreen.

“It’s a straw man,” Massie said. “Ro and I drafted this legislation with redactions in mind. Victim identities would be protected. No child pornography would be released.”

A Fracturing GOP and the Power Struggle Behind the Scenes

Tensions over the Epstein files have created deep fissures within the Republican Party. Last week, Speaker Johnson sent lawmakers home one day early for summer recess — a move that some Democrats said was an effort to shield GOP members from a vote on Khanna and Massie’s bill.

“Why is it painful for Mike Johnson to call a vote on this?” Massie asked. “This is what the American people deserve — not just for justice, but for trust in government.”

Johnson pushed back on those accusations, claiming Democrats had “hijacked” the Rules Committee and attempted to “turn it into an Epstein hearing.”

“That’s not what the Rules Committee is about,” Johnson said. “So that’s why the floor votes ended on Wednesday instead of Thursday.”

But the maneuver has only intensified scrutiny, especially among conservatives worried that continued obstruction will demoralize the GOP base heading into the 2026 midterms.

“This is going to hurt Republicans,” Massie warned. “Voters are already apathetic. They want us to hold the rich and powerful accountable — and if we don’t, they’ll stay home.”

Khanna and Massie: Unlikely Allies in a Battle Over Trust

Despite their partisan differences, Khanna and Massie have emerged as unlikely allies in the fight for government transparency. Their proposed bill — which demands the release of all unclassified Epstein records — has attracted support from across the aisle, including Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), and nearly a dozen conservative Republicans.

“Politics is the art of the doable,” Massie said. “And there’s enough pressure now that we can get 218 votes.”

The alliance has not come without cost. Massie has drawn fire from within his own party, including from Trump-aligned PACs that have already poured over $1 million into ads targeting him in Kentucky.

Khanna praised his colleague’s courage.

“The only person who’s taken political pain here is Congressman Massie — for telling the truth,” Khanna said. “It’s just made him stronger.”

Khanna, a rising star in the Democratic Party and potential 2028 presidential candidate, has linked the Epstein file release to his broader political message of economic justice and institutional accountability.

“You can’t rebuild this country — with Medicare for All or a 21st-century Marshall Plan — if people don’t trust the government,” Khanna said. “This is about restoring that trust.”

What Happens Next?

With Congress on recess, Khanna and Massie plan to continue gathering signatures for a discharge petition — a procedural move that could force a House vote despite resistance from GOP leadership. If they reach the 218-signature threshold, Speaker Johnson will face a difficult decision: allow the vote, or attempt to change House rules midstream — a move likely to trigger national attention.

“That becomes the vote,” Massie said. “Not just on Epstein, but on who gets to control what the American people know.”

As for the victims at the center of the Epstein case, many advocacy groups remain cautiously hopeful that this bipartisan momentum could bring long-overdue accountability — not just to Epstein and Maxwell, but to the full web of enablers still shrouded in secrecy.

People Also Ask

Why are Khanna and Massie pushing to release Epstein files?
They argue it’s a matter of justice and transparency, especially for victims, and say the American public deserves to know the full scope of Epstein’s network.

What is the controversy over pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell?
Massie is open to reduced punishment if Maxwell provides truthful testimony, while Khanna and Speaker Johnson believe she should serve more time, possibly a life sentence.

What’s in the proposed Epstein records release bill?
The bipartisan bill calls for publication of all unclassified Epstein-related documents with redactions to protect victims and prevent the release of illegal content.

Will the Epstein files actually be released?
That remains uncertain. A federal judge must approve any unsealing of grand jury materials, and Congress must pass a release measure — which leadership currently opposes.