Bulwark Takes Is Maxwell Making a Deal with Trump?
Jul 25, 2025
Andrew Egger, author of the Morning Shots newsletter at The Bulwark, dives into the controversial notion of Trump potentially pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell. He and Will Sommer discuss MAGA media’s peculiar attempts to restore her reputation amidst unfolding scandals. They examine the chaotic political dance surrounding Maxwell's connections to Trump, dissect bizarre conspiracy theories, and highlight the absurdity of Trump’s defenses, including claims about forgery linked to Epstein. The conversation reveals a tangled web of misinformation and political maneuvering.
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Trump Considers Maxwell Pardon
- Donald Trump is considering a pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell, a convicted associate of Jeffrey Epstein, which is surprising given her reputation.
- MAGA media are starting to shift narratives to possibly rehabilitate her image among their audience.
Trump's Distraction Strategy
- Trump keeps trying to distract media from the Epstein-Maxwell story by focusing on others and older controversies.
- There is circumstantial evidence of Trump trying to cover up connections to Epstein, possibly to prevent damaging revelations.
Potential Cover-Up Unfolding
- MAGA media offers distractions like the Obama-Russia probe to divert attention from Epstein revelations.
- There may be a limited hangout involving Ghislaine cooperating and possibly clearing Trump in exchange for leniency or a pardon.