The ongoing Congressional investigation into the illicit activities of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein encountered a significant hurdle when Ghislaine Maxwell, a central figure in the case, refused to testify on Monday.

Maxwell, currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for her involvement in Epstein's sex trafficking operations, exercised her Fifth Amendment rights during a video deposition from a Texas correctional facility. This move came months after she was subpoenaed by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

According to a statement from Maxwell's attorney, David Oscar Markus, which was obtained by POLITICO, Maxwell's willingness to cooperate hinges on a potential clemency, a decision resting solely with President Donald Trump. Trump has not dismissed the possibility of a pardon. Markus emphasized the importance of Maxwell's testimony, claiming it could absolve high-profile figures such as former Presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton of any misconduct linked to Epstein.

"Only she can provide the complete account. Some may not like what they hear, but the truth matters," Markus stated.

During the deposition, which saw attendance from both Republican and Democratic members of the committee, Maxwell's decision to invoke her Fifth Amendment rights was met with criticism. Oversight Chair James Comer expressed his disappointment, highlighting the missed opportunity to answer pressing questions crucial to the investigation.

“Unfortunately, she had an opportunity today to answer questions that every American has — questions that would be very important in this investigation — and she chose to invoke her Fifth Amendment right,” Comer, a Kentucky Republican, remarked.

Democrats have speculated that Maxwell's non-cooperation might be a strategy to secure clemency from Trump. Meanwhile, the political implications of the case were palpable, with attendees such as Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), both of whom are campaigning for higher offices in their respective states.

Additionally, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) announced plans to review unredacted Epstein files later that afternoon alongside Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), demonstrating the sustained bipartisan interest in uncovering the full extent of Epstein's network and operations.

As the investigation continues, the refusal of key witnesses like Maxwell to provide testimony poses ongoing challenges to unraveling the complex web of connections and crimes associated with Jeffrey Epstein.