US politics live: Top Trump ally expresses discomfort with idea of pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell

Top allies of Donald Trump have been grilled over the idea that Jeffrey Epstein’s accomplice could end up walking free.

Welcome to another week in our live coverage of US politics.

A top political ally of President Donald Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson, has expressed discomfort with the idea of pardoning Jeffrey Epstein’s co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell.

“This week, President Trump didn’t rule out a pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell,” noted NBC host Kristen Welker, on whose show, Meet the Press, Mr Johnson appeared today.

“Of course, that’s one of the big questions looming over all of this. So let me put this to you: would you support a pardon or a commutation for Ghislaine Maxwell?”

Mr Johnson tried, at first, to sit on the metaphorical fence.

“Well, I mean, obviously that’s a decision of the President,” he told Ms Welker.

“He said he had not adequately considered that. I will not get in front of him. That’s not my lane. My lane is to help direct and control the House of Representatives, and to use every tool within our arsenal to get to the truth.”

“Are you open to a pardon or commutation?” Ms Welker pressed.

“Mr Speaker, the victims referred to Maxwell as Epstein’s right-hand woman. Here’s what one victim who testified under a pseudonym told the court: ‘The many acts that were perpetrated on me by Epstein, including rape, strangulation and sexual assault, were never consensual and would not have occurred had it not been for the cunning and premeditated role Ghislaine Maxwell played.’

“Is that someone deserving of a pardon or commutation in any circumstance?”

Mr Johnson then offered a firmer stance.

“If you’re asking my opinion, I think 20 years was a pittance,” he said.

“I think she should have a life sentence at least. I mean, think of all these unspeakable crimes, and as you noted earlier, probably a thousand victims.

“It’s hard to put into words how evil this was, and that she orchestrated it and was a big part of it, at least under the criminal sanction, I think is an unforgivable thing.

“So again, not my decision, but I have great pause about that, as any reasonable person would.”

Read on for the latest updates.

Originally published as US politics live: Top Trump ally expresses discomfort with idea of pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell