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🇦🇺 Australia /Crime & Justice

US Senate unanimously rejects any pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Approved/passed
  • The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution opposing any presidential pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell.
  • The non-binding resolution, supported by both Republicans and Democrats, signals a divide with former President Donald Trump, who had previously stated he would "take a look" at a potential pardon.
  • Senator Jacky Rosen, who introduced the resolution, expressed hope that victims would find comfort in knowing Maxwell will serve her sentence and that justice will be upheld.

In a rare display of bipartisan unity, the U.S. Senate has unanimously passed a resolution opposing any future presidential pardon or clemency for Ghislaine Maxwell, an accomplice of Jeffrey Epstein. The resolution, introduced by Nevada Democrat Senator Jacky Rosen, was supported by both Republicans and Democrats, highlighting a symbolic rift with former President Donald Trump.

Ghislaine Maxwell should not be granted a Presidential pardon or any form of clemency.

— U.S. Senate ResolutionThe core statement of the resolution passed by the Senate.

While the Senate's resolution is non-binding, it sends a clear message. The Senate agreed that granting Maxwell a pardon or any form of clemency would be "inconsistent with the interests of justice and accountability for crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children." The resolution explicitly denounces any attempt by Mr. Trump to offer "any other form of executive clemency" to Maxwell.

I hope the victims of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell feel some comfort knowing that she will serve out her sentence.

— Senator Jacky RosenSenator Rosen's statement on X following the Senate vote.

Senator Rosen stated on X after the vote, "I hope the victims of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell feel some comfort knowing that she will serve out her sentence." She added, "And that other victims of crimes like this know that they can be seen and heard, and that justice will be upheld." Rosen had previously expressed her hope that the resolution would put the Senate "on the record" in opposition to any clemency for Maxwell.

And that other victims of crimes like this know that they can be seen and heard, and that justice will be upheld.

— Senator Jacky RosenSenator Rosen's statement on X following the Senate vote.

Former President Trump has not ruled out a pardon for Maxwell, having previously said he would "take a look at it" when asked in October. Maxwell's legal team has been actively pursuing clemency, including an attempt to overturn her sentence based on Epstein's plea deal. Reports have also surfaced regarding Maxwell receiving preferential treatment in prison, including access to custom meals and a puppy, further complicating the discussion around any potential clemency.

I would take a look at it. I wouldn't consider it or not consider it. I don't know anything about it. I will speak to the DOJ.

— Donald TrumpFormer President Trump's response when asked about a potential pardon for Maxwell in October.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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