Republicans in Congress are urging President Trump to think twice about a potential pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein's girlfriend and accomplice in sex trafficking.

As the White House comes under pressure to share new information in the Epstein case, some have speculated about a possible deal between the federal government and Maxwell. Trump has left the door open to a pardon, although he has given no indication that he is giving it much thought.

“I’m allowed to do it, but nobody’s asked me to do it,” he told Newsmax last week. “I know nothing about the case.”

Are feds bargaining with Maxwell?

Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking. She is the only person involved in Epstein's crimes to ever face justice, so pardoning her would be controversial to say the least.

Epstein himself died by suicide while facing sex trafficking charges in 2019. The Justice Department in July released a controversial memo that ruled out the existence of a client list or the possibility of charging other people.

As a backlash began to build among Trump's own supporters, the Justice Department met with Maxwell last month in Florida. The feds have also moved Maxwell to a less restrictive, low-security prison in Texas.

Dems cry cover-up

The moves have led to speculation that the administration is working towards an arrangement with Maxwell, presumably in exchange for new information or political cover. But there is a chance that getting involved with Maxwell will only make the Epstein controversy a bigger problem for the White House than it already has been.

Unless it leads to new criminal charges against other individuals, a pardon or reduced sentence would likely anger members of Trump's base, who are already disappointed with the administration's refusal to release the Epstein files. It could also help Democrats as they accuse Trump of a cover-up.

“Let me be clear: Trump is sending his personal lawyer, Todd Blanche, to try and execute a corrupt cover-up, potentially offering leniency to a woman who also abused the victims,” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) “Enough. Enough. Enough with the hiding. Enough with the excuses. And enough with the cover-up.”

Is she credible?

There are also questions about whether Maxwell is a credible witness. She is a convicted criminal, after all, with an incentive to lie in order to go free.

“I don’t think that her testimony is worth the paper it’s written on, because she’s a liar,” said Republican Senator Thom Tillis (NC). “She also exploited young girls.”

Senate Republicans have expressed doubt that Trump will pardon Maxwell, but if he does, they say he will need to explain to the public.

“On a political basis, you just simply have to explain your actions and justify your actions,” said Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD).

House Republicans have rejected Maxwell's demand for immunity, but they agreed to push back her testimony until after the Supreme Court responds to her appeal to overturn her conviction.