Attorney General Pam Bondi is preparing to respond to a new legal motion from Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein’s former associate, who is challenging her conviction. The Justice Department’s reply is due on Monday, July 14, amid growing public frustration over the handling of the Epstein case.
Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence, argues she should never have been prosecuted for her role in Epstein’s sex trafficking operation. Her legal team claims that a 2008 plea deal between Epstein and Florida prosecutors protected not only Epstein but also his alleged co-conspirators from future charges.
The Department of Justice, led by Bondi, has faced sharp criticism from both Republicans and Democrats over its recent handling of the Epstein case. Many in the pro-MAGA movement are demanding more transparency and have called for Bondi to step down.
Last week, the DOJ and FBI released a memo concluding that Epstein died by suicide in August 2019 and that there is no secret “client list” of wealthy or powerful individuals connected to his crimes. The memo also stated that no further arrests would be made, angering those who believe key figures linked to Epstein have yet to be held accountable.
Maxwell remains the only person convicted in connection with Epstein’s sex trafficking network. Her lawyers argue that if her case had been heard in another federal court circuit, such as the Eleventh Circuit where Epstein’s plea deal was made, her charges might have been dismissed.
“This inconsistency in the law by which the same promise by the United States means different things in different places should be addressed by this Court,” Maxwell’s lawyers wrote in their filing.
Maxwell was sentenced in June 2022 for perjury, enticing minors, and conspiracy to transport minors for illegal sexual activity. She has also offered to testify before Congress about Epstein’s alleged network of clients, claiming she is ready to share the truth. However, no government officials have asked her to testify.
The case continues to cause political tensions within the Trump administration. Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino reportedly threatened to resign over Bondi’s handling of the case but decided to stay after private talks with President Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
The Department of Justice is also facing staffing issues. Reports indicate that more than half of the lawyers in the Federal Programs Branch have either resigned or announced plans to leave since President Trump’s reelection.
Despite the controversy, President Trump has defended Bondi and urged his supporters to move on from the Epstein case. The White House confirmed that any future comments on the matter will require Trump’s approval.
