The Senate unanimously approved a resolution Wednesday stating that Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted sex offender and former associate of Jeffrey Epstein, should not receive a presidential pardon or any form of clemency.
The measure was introduced by Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), who said it was intended to stop acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, whom President Trump has nominated to remain in the position, from potentially granting Maxwell a pardon in exchange for helping clear Trump’s name. Trump has denied any involvement in Epstein’s crimes.
“It is deeply disturbing that Trump would even consider clemency for someone convicted of sex trafficking,” Rosen said during remarks on the Senate floor.
Rosen then requested unanimous consent for the resolution, and with no senators objecting, the Senate formally approved the measure.
“If Republicans move forward with Todd Blanche’s nomination tomorrow in the Judiciary Committee, this is the minimum they can do to show their opposition to a Maxwell pardon,” Rosen said.
Although the resolution carries no legal force, it serves as a public statement from the Senate that both Republican and Democratic lawmakers oppose granting clemency to Maxwell, who was convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison for helping facilitate Epstein’s crimes.
The resolution also highlights Democrats’ efforts to scrutinize Blanche’s actions and decisions regarding the handling of Epstein-related documents and investigations.
Blanche has stated that he would not advise granting Maxwell a pardon, though Trump has not completely ruled out the possibility, and Maxwell’s attorney has said they will continue pursuing clemency.
Blanche questioned Maxwell over a two-day period last summer, resulting in written testimony in which Maxwell claimed she had never witnessed Trump participate in inappropriate behavior. Soon after the interview, Maxwell was transferred to a lower-security prison facility, a decision Blanche has defended.