Donald Trump’s deputy attorney general, Todd Blanche, is facing intense scrutiny after newly released emails contradicted claims made by Ghislaine Maxwell during her interview with him. The documents suggest Trump “spent hours” with one of Jeffrey Epstein’s victims, directly clashing with Maxwell’s assertion that she never saw Trump at Epstein’s home. The revelations have triggered fierce criticism of Blanche’s role, with legal experts accusing him of protecting the president. Blanche has now broken his silence, defending his actions and dismissing the backlash as unfounded.
Maxwell Interview Controversy
The criticism erupted after Maxwell told Blanche she had never seen Trump at Epstein’s residence and insisted the two men were merely social acquaintances. She stated, “I don’t think they were close friends… I don’t recall ever seeing him in his house, for instance.” These remarks shaped the initial interpretation of Trump’s proximity to Epstein. However, the release of internal Epstein emails this week undermined her claims, escalating concerns over the interview’s credibility.
Emails Reveal Contradictions
In one striking exchange from April 2011, Epstein described Trump as a “dog that hasn’t barked,” adding that Virginia Giuffre, one of his victims, “spent hours at my house with him.” Maxwell responded, “I have been thinking about that…” These emails fueled suspicions that Trump’s involvement was broader than previously disclosed and raised questions about why these details did not surface during Blanche’s questioning.
Experts Question Blanche’s Role
The documents prompted sharp commentary from legal and political figures. Attorney George Conway wrote that Blanche’s interview was either “completely incompetent, or intentionally crafted not to elicit facts incriminating Trump.” He added, “Either way, he is not fit to serve as Deputy Attorney General of the United States.” The backlash reflects wider concerns over whether the investigation into Epstein’s network is being handled impartially.
Blanche Issues Forceful Defense
Breaking his silence, Blanche defended the integrity of his interview with Maxwell, stating that authorities did not have access to the newly surfaced documents at the time. “When I interviewed Maxwell, law enforcement didn’t have the materials Epstein’s estate hid for years and only just provided to Congress,” he explained. In direct response to Conway, he posted, “Stop talking, it’s unbecoming,” signaling his frustration over the political criticism directed at him.
Maxwell’s Legal History
Epstein died in 2019 while awaiting trial, and Maxwell was later convicted for aiding him in recruiting underage girls. She has maintained her innocence and has continued to praise Trump, telling Blanche, “The President was never inappropriate with anybody. In the times that I was with him, he was a gentleman in all respects.” Her conduct in prison and ongoing claims of innocence remain central to the renewed public scrutiny of the case.
Prison Transfer Sparks Questions
Maxwell’s relocation in July from a Florida jail to a minimum security prison camp in Texas, frequently described in industry rankings as one of the “Best Jails in America to Serve Time,” intensified speculation. The transfer occurred shortly after her interview with Blanche and followed the abrupt firing of Maurene Comey, the prosecutor most familiar with the Epstein case. Former DOJ pardon attorney Liz Oyer remarked that these moves “raise questions about whether there’s really any interest in the truth of the matter.”
Perks and Pardon Speculation
Whistleblowers allege that Maxwell now enjoys unusual privileges behind bars, including a puppy, personalized meals, and a private visiting area. Reports suggest she is considering a request for sentence commutation. When asked about a possible pardon, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “It’s not something he’s talking about or even thinking about at this moment in time.” She added that the newly released documents “prove absolutely nothing other than the fact that President Trump did nothing wrong.”