White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shut down media speculation about a potential Ghislaine Maxwell pardon, making clear that the convicted sex trafficker’s clemency request isn’t even on President Trump’s radar while he focuses on delivering real results for American families.
See the video below.
Story Highlights
- Press Secretary Leavitt dismissed Maxwell pardon speculation as “not a priority” during the February 10, 2026, White House briefing
- Maxwell’s legal team pushed for presidential clemency just days afterthe Supreme Court unanimously rejected her appeal
- Trump administration redirects focus to policy victories, including border security and federal detention policies
- Convicted child sex trafficker remains in low-security Texas facility serving 20-year sentence for Epstein crimes
White House Shuts Down Pardon Distraction
During her February 10, 2026, press briefing, Karoline Leavitt addressed reporter questions about whether President Trump would consider pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell. Her response was direct and unambiguous: “This is not something I’ve discussed with the president recently because frankly, it’s not a priority.”
The statement came just one day after Maxwell’s legal team made their case for clemency during a deposition. Leavitt’s dismissal signals the administration’s determination to focus on substantive policy achievements rather than entertain media-driven distractions about elite criminals.
Q: “On Ghislaine Maxwell, is the president going to rule out a pardon for her?”
Leavitt: “Again, this is not something I've discussed with the president recently because frankly it's not a priority.” pic.twitter.com/i88W8shoL4
— The Bulwark (@BulwarkOnline) February 10, 2026
Maxwell’s Failed Legal Maneuvering
Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted in 2022 of child sex trafficking for her role recruiting and grooming minors for Jeffrey Epstein, receiving a 20-year federal sentence. Around February 8, 2026, the Supreme Court unanimously declined her appeal of that conviction, closing yet another legal avenue.
Undeterred, her legal team invoked the possibility of a Trump pardon during a February 9 deposition. The Justice Department recently interviewed Maxwell about Epstein associates and transferred her to a low-security Texas facility, a move critics deemed inappropriate for convicted sex offenders.
Administration Prioritizes Real Issues Over Elite Scandals
Leavitt’s briefing emphasized the administration’s focus on matters affecting everyday Americans, highlighting recent victories like federal appeals court decisions upholding detention policies and progress on border security. This approach contrasts sharply with media outlets attempting to resurrect Epstein-related controversies.
While Trump acknowledged in July 2025 that he was “allowed” to consider Maxwell’s pardon request, the current administration’s position represents a clear deprioritization. The shift underscores Trump’s commitment to delivering on campaign promises rather than getting sidetracked by sensationalized questions about convicted criminals seeking special treatment.
What This Means for Justice and Accountability
For sex trafficking survivors and those demanding accountability in the Epstein case, Leavitt’s statement provides reassurance that Maxwell won’t receive undeserved leniency. The administration’s handling reflects a common-sense approach: convicted child predators shouldn’t jump the line for presidential pardons while the President tackles inflation, illegal immigration, and restores American prosperity.
Critics may attempt to manufacture controversy over Trump’s past social acquaintance with Maxwell decades ago, but the facts speak clearly. The administration has explicitly relegated this issue to non-priority status, allowing justice to run its course while focusing presidential authority on policies that strengthen families and protect constitutional freedoms.
Sources:
Donald Trump Plays Dumb on Ghislaine Maxwell Pardon
