There's some level of buzz around Washington D.C. that suggests convicted child sex predator Ghislaine Maxwell could soon be on the receiving end of a pardon from President Donald Trump.

According to The Hill, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) recently opined on the idea of Maxwell receiving a pardon, going on to say that the 20-year sentence she received for conspiring with Jeffrey Epstein wasn't strong enough. 

Speaker Johnson opened up regarding his thoughts on a possible presidential pardon or commutation during an interview with "Meet the Press."

He called Maxwell's 20-year sentence a "pittance," going on to say that he believes that at the very least, she should have received a life sentence.

What did he say?

Speaker Johnson opened up about the situation, which has caused somewhat of a rift within MAGA circles in Washington D.C. and beyond.

"If you’re asking my opinion, I think 20 years was a pittance. I think she should have a life sentence at least," Speaker Johnson said during the interview.

"Think of all these unspeakable crimes, and, as you noted earlier, probably 1,000 victims," Johnson added. "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."

Johnson was careful to add that while it wouldn't be his cup of tea to offer Maxwell any relief, it's ultimately up to President Trump.

"So again, not my decision, but I have great pause about that, as any reasonable person would," he said.

The speculation regarding a potential pardon or commutation came after Maxwell met with the Justice Department's top brass last week -- notably meeting with deputy AG Todd Blanche, a former personal lawyer for President Trump.

The Hill noted:

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche met with Maxwell, who is in prison in Florida, for two days late last week amid calls for greater transparency surrounding the Epstein case. While some have suggested her testimony is invaluable, others have expressed concern about the reliability of her testimony, noting she is accused of making multiple false statements under oath during her 2021 trial.

Trump's thoughts

Notably, in a quick exchange with reporters last week, the president didn't seem to rule out a pardon situation for Maxwell, ultimately saying he hasn't given the idea much thought yet.

"It’s something I haven’t thought about it. I’m allowed to do it, but it’s something I have not thought about," Trump said at the time.

Only time will tell if Trump pulls the trigger on a Maxwell pardon, and if he does, it will definitely set off a bomb within the ranks of his supporters.