Representative Anna Paulina Luna said that she opposes any form of clemency for Ghislaine Maxwell, arguing that Maxwell should be held fully accountable for her role in Jeffrey Epstein’s sex-trafficking operation as Congress continues to investigate the federal government’s handling of the case.
Speaking to a reporter, Luna rejected the idea that Maxwell should receive leniency in exchange for testimony. Asked whether she supported clemency for Maxwell, Luna responded, “Correct,” before explaining why she believes accountability is critical. “Well, because according to the files that we all saw, she was engaged in the trafficking and also rape of young women, and potentially children. I don’t think that she deserves any special treatment. She’s a monster,” Luna said.
Luna: According to the files we saw, Ghislaine Maxwell was engaged in trafficking and rape. I don’t think she deserves special treatment. She’s a monster. pic.twitter.com/N7XamC0bhL
— Acyn (@Acyn) February 10, 2026
Luna’s comments came as scrutiny around Maxwell has intensified following her recent refusal to answer questions during a deposition before the House Oversight Committee. Maxwell, the longtime companion of Epstein and currently serving a federal prison sentence on sex-trafficking charges, appeared virtually from a Texas prison and invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination in response to every question.
BREAKING: FOOTAGE SHOWS MAXWELL PLEADING 5TH IN DEPOSITION
— 🟡 The Professor 🕵️♂️ (@TheNewsProfesor) February 9, 2026
Epstein associate refuses House Oversight questions invoking 5th Amendment.
Lawyer says she'll "speak fully and honestly" if Trump grants clemency first. pic.twitter.com/oCTX7smYQD
Comer said the deposition was “very disappointing,” noting that lawmakers had intended to question Maxwell about the crimes committed by her and Epstein, as well as potential co-conspirators. He added that Maxwell’s attorney, David Oscar Markus, told lawmakers that she would be willing to answer questions if she were granted clemency by President Trump.
Ghislaine Maxwell, the longtime associate of Jeffrey Epstein, declined to answer questions from Congress, invoking her right against self-incrimination.
— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) February 9, 2026
Maxwell had been subpoenaed to testify Monday before the House Oversight Committee, which is investigating the government’s… pic.twitter.com/NWMolHPM99
In a statement posted on social media, Markus said that “Ms. Maxwell is prepared to speak fully and honestly if granted clemency by President Trump,” and claimed she could clear both Mr. Trump and former President Bill Clinton of wrongdoing. Democrats dismissed that assertion, characterizing it as part of an effort to secure leniency.
Ghislaine Maxwell invoked her Constitutional right to silence this morning before @RepJamesComer and the House Oversight Committee. Here is the statement I gave to the Committee explaining why:
— David Oscar Markus (@domarkus) February 9, 2026
Members of the Committee:
On my advice, Ghislaine Maxwell will respectfully invoke…
The Oversight Committee has sought to depose Maxwell for months as part of a broader inquiry into the government’s investigations of Epstein, who died in prison while facing charges related to the sex trafficking of girls as young as 14, and into Maxwell’s role in those crimes. Comer first requested her deposition in July, amid backlash over the Trump administration’s decision to scale back a promised release of all Justice Department investigative materials related to Epstein.
That backlash led House Democrats, joined by a small group of Republicans, to force subpoenas for the Justice Department and the Epstein estate, as well as depositions of current and former government officials. Maxwell’s treatment in custody has also drawn attention, particularly after she was moved to a minimum-security prison, prompting Democratic demands to visit her amid whistle-blower claims that she is receiving preferential treatment.
Lawmakers from both parties have continued to press for more transparency, with some saying the released documents still obscure key details, including the identities of individuals they believe were implicated. Against that backdrop, Luna’s comments underscored resistance among some Republicans to any suggestion that Maxwell should receive special consideration, even as pressure mounts for additional testimony and disclosures tied to one of the most scrutinized criminal cases in recent memory.
