Senate passes unanimous resolution opposing Maxwell pardon

In a rare moment of unanimous agreement, the United States Senate passed a resolution on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, declaring that convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell should receive no presidential pardon or any form of clemency. The nonbinding measure, introduced by Democratic Senator Jacky Rosen of Nevada, passed without objection, placing the chamber on record against any potential executive action to free Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence for crimes related to financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The resolution states that the Senate "stands with the victims of sexual exploitation and trafficking and affirms its commitment to justice, accountability, and the protection of children." In a floor speech, Senator Rosen characterized the prospect of clemency as "frankly horrifying," arguing that President Donald Trump should not entertain the idea for a convicted sex trafficker. She urged her Republican colleagues to support the resolution ahead of a scheduled Judiciary Committee vote on the nomination of acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, whom Trump has nominated to retain the role permanently.

The Senate's action comes amid sustained public interest in Maxwell's...