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

President Trump says he wasn’t aware of Ghislaine Maxwell’s prison transfer beforehand and praises his deputy attorney general, while not saying whether he personally finds Maxwell herself to be credible. pic.twitter.com/TM2vjyUe9a
— Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) August 5, 2025
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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.
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.

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.