Trump 'didn't know' about Ghislaine Maxwell’s move to low-security prison: 'They don’t tell me everything'

Trump 'didn't know' about Ghislaine Maxwell’s move to low-security prison: 'They don’t tell me everything'
Donald Trump denies knowledge of Ghislaine Maxwell's prison transfer, says he read about it (Getty Images)



 

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump has broken his silence following reports that Ghislaine Maxwell was quietly moved to a low-security, dorm-style federal prison in Bryan, Texas.

Trump claimed he was completely unaware of the transfer and was not briefed by the Department of Justice, despite mounting questions over the circumstances surrounding Maxwell’s relocation, particularly after her closed-door meeting with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.

The surprise transfer and its timing have prompted outrage from former officials, victims' advocates, and political critics, many of whom allege that Maxwell may be receiving preferential treatment in exchange for possible cooperation. 

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 05: US President Donald Trump arrives to speak as US Vice President JD Vance (L) looks on before signing an executive order in the South Court Auditorium in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on August 5, 2025 in Washington, DC. The executive order creates a White House task force to help coordinate logistical issues related to the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles including security, visas for athletes and coaches and transportation. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump arrives to speak as US Vice President JD Vance (L) looks on before signing an executive order in the South Court Auditorium in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on August 5, 2025 in Washington, DC (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Trump defends Todd Blanche in Ghislaine Maxwell prison transfer

Trump pushed back on suggestions that he had any prior knowledge or involvement in the decision to move Maxwell.

“I didn’t know about it at all, no. I read about it just like you did,” Trump said.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 19: Former U.S. President Donald Trump (R) sits with his attorney Todd Blanche (L) during his criminal trial as jury selection continues at Manhattan Criminal Court on April 19, 2024 in New York City. Trump was charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records last year, which prosecutors say was an effort to hide a potential sex scandal, both before and after the 2016 presidential election. Trump is the first former U.S. president to face trial on criminal charges. (Photo by Mark Peterson - Pool/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump  sits with his attorney Todd Blanche during his criminal trial as jury selection continues at Manhattan Criminal Court on April 19, 2024 in New York City (Mark Peterson - Pool/Getty Images)

When asked if Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche had informed him ahead of time, he replied, “They didn’t tell me. They don’t tell me everything.” Pressed on whether he believed the transfer was appropriate, Trump said, “I believe it is not a very uncommon thing.”

He went on to defend Blanche, stating: “Todd is a very talented man. He’s one of the best we have. I have full confidence that whatever was done, was done totally above board.”

The president reiterated that he had no role in the decision and downplayed the controversy, adding: “Look, people get moved in the system all the time. It’s not always a big deal.”

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 05: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters after signing an executive order during a ceremony in the South Court Auditorium in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on August 5, 2025 in Washington, DC. The executive order creates a White House task force to help coordinate logistical issues related to the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles including security, visas for athletes and coaches and transportation. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters after signing an executive order during a ceremony in the South Court Auditorium in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on August 5, 2025 in Washington, DC (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

The president dismissed suggestions of impropriety or coordination between the White House and DOJ, claiming he had no involvement in the logistics or approval of Maxwell’s new prison assignment.

DOJ interview fuels speculation of cooperation by Ghislaine Maxwell

Ghislaine Maxwell was reportedly interviewed by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche over the course of two days. While the DOJ has yet to officially disclose the content of the meetings, sources indicate it lasted nearly nine hours and may have touched on Epstein’s associates, past incidents, or political figures.

The secrecy around the interview, followed almost immediately by Maxwell’s transfer to a minimum-security prison, often dubbed “Club Fed” has led to speculation that she may have cooperated with federal prosecutors in exchange for leniency.

From left, American real estate developer Donald Trump and his girlfriend (and future wife), former model Melania Knauss, financier (and future convicted sex offender) Jeffrey Epstein, and British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell pose together at the Mar-a-Lago club, Palm Beach, Florida, February 12, 2000. (Photo by Davidoff Studios/Getty Images)
Donald Trump and Melania Knauss, Jeffrey Epstein, and  Ghislaine Maxwell pose together at the Mar-a-Lago club, Palm Beach, Florida, February 12, 2000 (Davidoff Studios/Getty Images)

Former federal officials and victims’ rights groups have criticized the move, claiming Maxwell received a level of leniency that is rarely extended to offenders.

Her new facility, a minimum-security camp in Bryan, Texas, has no barbed wire, limited security, and offers a relatively relaxed environment. Corrections experts point out that such transfers typically require special waivers for someone with Maxwell’s conviction history.

One former Bureau of Prisons official called the decision “a disgraceful breach of federal policy.”

DOJ weighs release of interview transcript amid backlash

As backlash builds, the DOJ is reportedly considering whether to release transcripts or audio from Maxwell’s interview.

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 20:  Ghislaine Maxwell attends day 1 of the 4th Annual WIE Symposium at Cen
Ghislaine Maxwell attends day 1 of the 4th Annual WIE Symposium at Center 548 on September 20, 2013 in New York City (Laura Cavanaugh/Getty Images) 

According to sources familiar with the session, Maxwell denied witnessing any misconduct by Trump and did not implicate the president in any wrongdoing. However, with pressure mounting from both lawmakers and the public, officials may opt for limited transparency to quell speculation.

The move has triggered a broader debate about fairness in the justice system and whether politically connected individuals can escape harsher consequences.

U.S. President Donald Trump gestures while answering questions from reporters as he tours the roof of the West Wing of the White House on August 05, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump has undertaken several renovation projects at the White House to include the construction of a concrete patio at the Rose Garden. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump gestures while answering questions from reporters as he tours the roof of the West Wing of the White House on August 5, 2025 in Washington, DC (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Trump’s denial of involvement has done little to calm critics who demand a full investigation into the transfer. Maxwell remains incarcerated while appealing her 20-year sentence.

Share this article:  Trump 'didn't know' about Ghislaine Maxwell’s move to low-security prison: 'They don’t tell me everything'