James Comer denies any committee support for Ghislaine Maxwell pardon: 'I made my position clear'

WASHINGTON, DC: House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer is fighting back against media reports, declaring he is "not open to a pardon" for Jeffrey Epstein’s accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell.

The firestorm erupted following reports of internal committee disagreements, prompting Comer to clarify that he remains a steadfast opponent of any legal leniency for Maxwell.

James Comer rejects Maxwell pardon, denies committee split

In a heated defense of his committee’s integrity, Comer took to X on Wednesday, April 22, to silence speculation regarding legal leniency for those tied to the Epstein scandal.

The Chairman’s frustration with the media’s portrayal of his position was evident as he demanded more accurate reporting on his efforts.

"In the future, use my full statement," Comer posted, followed by a sharp warning to the reporter, "Don't post clickbait."

Comer made it clear that his personal stance has never wavered. 

News report claims split over Maxwell pardon

The controversy began following an article by Politico reporter Hailey Fuchs, which claimed that Comer mentioned "a lot of people" and certain members of the House Oversight Committee were interested in a pardon for Maxwell.

Fuchs attached her Politico report to her X account with the caption: "Oversight chair James Comer told me members of his panel are open to a pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell so that she would share info with Congress."

Earlier, 64-year-old Maxwell was invited to testify before the committee but refused to answer some questions, invoking her Fifth Amendment privilege.

While the article quoted Comer saying, "My committee is split on that," the Chairman has since clarified that he remains opposed to the idea.

Donald Trump previously, in October, indicated he would speak to the Justice Department regarding the matter, but the lack of agreement within the committee reduces the likelihood of any pardon-for-testimony deal being established for the convicted offender.

It should be noted that Ghislaine Maxwell, a former associate of the late financier and convicted offender Jeffrey Epstein, is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence.

Following Epstein’s 2019 death in custody, which was officially ruled a suicide, Maxwell was convicted in 2021 for her involvement in the crimes.

Democrats reject Maxwell pardon, clash over committee stance

The report from Hailey Fuchs drew immediate fire from Democrats, with Representative Robert Garcia stating that his party is "united in opposing a pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell."

Garcia called the prospect of any Republican considering the deal "outrageous."

Meanwhile, the press office of Gavin Newsom also took to X, resharing the issue and stating, "ABSOLUTE NO."