February 12, 2026

In a bold legislative move, Senator Jacky Rosen of Nevada is set to introduce a resolution on Thursday that aims to solidify the Senate's stance against any potential presidential pardon or clemency for Ghislaine Maxwell. The resolution comes amid speculations that President Donald Trump might consider clemency for Maxwell, who is currently imprisoned for her role as a convicted sex trafficker of minors and longtime associate of the infamous Jeffrey Epstein.
Senator Rosen, expressing her intent behind the resolution, stated that it is crucial for the U.S. Senate to send an unequivocal message to the White House, emphasizing that a convicted sex trafficker should not be granted clemency. She highlighted the importance of accountability, particularly in cases involving the exploitation of minors.
The resolution, however, faces procedural hurdles. Rosen mentioned that if Senate Majority Leader John Thune does not schedule a vote on the resolution, she will push for it to pass via unanimous consent—a process that would require the approval of all 100 senators. This approach underscores the gravity of the matter, though it is likely to encounter resistance from some GOP members. Despite previous bipartisan efforts to increase transparency in the Epstein case, related legislative initiatives have met with obstacles.
The proposed resolution, while nonbinding, aims to assert a firm Senate position against any clemency for Maxwell. This stance could potentially influence President Trump's decision-making, who has not dismissed the possibility of granting clemency. In 2025, Trump remarked on his presidential clemency powers, stating, "I'm allowed to do it, but it’s something I have not thought about."
Maxwell's legal strategy has also stirred controversy. Her attorneys have declared that she would only testify under oath if clemency were assured. Subsequently, Maxwell chose to invoke her Fifth Amendment rights during a recent video deposition before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, following a congressional subpoena.
As the Senate prepares to consider Senator Rosen's resolution after the upcoming recess, all eyes are on whether this legislative initiative will garner the necessary unanimous support or face political blockades. This resolution not only seeks to prevent a high-profile clemency but also serves as a litmus test for the Senate's commitment to justice and accountability in cases of severe criminal conduct.