To former prosecutors, everything about the Justice Dept. interview with Ghislaine Maxwell looked unorthodox

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche met with convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell for a second day, offering only a broad rationale for his extensive questioning. Multiple former federal prosecutors expressed bewilderment at this decision, describing the meetings as highly unorthodox and concerning.

Former Justice Department pardon attorney Elizabeth Oyer suggested Maxwell, sentenced to 20 years, is likely desperate to reduce her sentence, making it hard to believe the Justice Department would rely on her information. Oyer stated Maxwell is probably speaking with Blanche hoping to cut a beneficial deal, raising fundamental questions about the credibility of anything she provides.

Maxwell's defense lawyer, David Markus, stated after the meeting that she answered everything fully without holding back. When asked about a pardon, Markus clarified they haven't spoken to the president about one yet but hope he exercises that power "in the right and just way."

A former senior Justice Department official called Blanche's direct involvement "unprecedented" for interviewing a convicted person potentially seeking leniency, suggesting it appears as an effort to address a political concern rather than standard Justice Department practice.

Blanche, a senior DOJ official and former personal attorney to President Trump, announced his decision to meet Maxwell in Florida after public attention focused on the administration's mixed messaging regarding the possible release of Jeffrey Epstein files. Maxwell was convicted in 2021 for her role in Epstein's trafficking ring; Epstein died in jail in 2019 awaiting trial.

Former officials highlighted several aspects breaking with longstanding DOJ practices, most notably Blanche conducting the interviews instead of the line prosecutors who secured Maxwell's conviction and are handling her appeal. This concern is compounded by the recent firing of Maurene Comey, the prosecutor who led the Maxwell case.

A former prosecutor emphasized that line prosecutors possess comprehensive case knowledge crucial for verifying Maxwell's truthfulness, especially given past questions about her candor regarding her and Epstein's misconduct. They stated Blanche lacks this detailed knowledge, making it "very hard to determine whether Maxwell is being truthful," as the best verification method involves "ask[ing] questions you already know the answers to."

It remains unclear if FBI agents or other DOJ officials accompanied Blanche in the closed-door meetings. Experts noted such meetings almost always include an FBI agent to memorialize discussions in formal interview notes with potential evidentiary value. The Justice Department has not responded to requests for comment.