Mike Johnson says Ghislaine Maxwell pardon would give him 'pause,' won't get ahead of Trump

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: USA Today

Updated July 27, 2025, 1:37 p.m. ET


House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, said he believes Ghislaine Maxwell, a key associate of Jeffrey Epstein currently serving 20 years in prison for conspiring to sexually abuse minors, should face "a life sentence." "If you're asking my opinion, I think 20 years was a pittance," Johnson told NBC's Kristen Welker on "Meet the Press" July 27. "I think she should have a life sentence, at least."

His remarks to NBC come as many, including supporters of President Donald Trump, clamor for testimony from Maxwell. Some followers of the case have proposed a pardon in exchange, but Trump told reporters on July 25 he hadn't considered the move. "I'm allowed to do it, but it's something I have not thought about," the president said.

Epstein was charged with sexually trafficking minors and died by suicide while in detention in 2019. Maxwell, his longtime girlfriend, has been accused of recruiting minors for the disgraced financier's predation. Maxwell maintains her innocence and is appealing her 2021 sex-trafficking conviction.

Johnson in his interview with NBC reiterated that pardons aren't up to him, telling the outlet, "obviously that's a decision of the president." "I won't get in front of him," Johnson said. "That's not my lane."

Read more: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/07/27/mike-johnson-ghislaine-maxwell-pardon-epstein/85395247007/

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"I won't get in front of him," Johnson said.

You won't "get in front of him" for anything because despite being Speaker of the House, a SEPARATE BRANCH of government, you are still 45's lapdog on a short leash.

[DownriverDem]

1. Bull

They are working on a response for when it happens.

[gab13by13]

2. Johnson has worked his way up to be

Krasnov's #1 fluffer, I think he now tells more lies than Krasnov.

[PghTiny]

3. And I have this bridge in Brooklyn I'm trying to unload

Said pause would probably last all of a second.

[Tarzanrock]

4. Strangely missing is Small Johnson's absent concern about the right of the American people ...

to know whether or not their sitting President is a criminal pedophile.

[Mysterian]

5. I consider it a done deal

Expect a pardon or commutation and Maxwell's false testimony against Democrats.

EXPECT IT!

[Botany]

6. Two questions Mr. Speaker.

Why would anybody believe one word from Ms. Maxwell?

And why not interview the victims?

[2MuchNoise]

7. "I won't get in front of him," Johnson said. But he's behind him all the way.

[Festivito]

8. Pausing is how you do nothing.

Pausing while statements are made that you might pardon are met with no one saying: "Don't!"
Repeat until the public feels helpless.
Or, just confused enough to ignore it when it happens.

[Baitball Blogger]

9. He's already a co-conspirator because of what he did in the House.

Man speaks with forked tongue.