On CNN, Michael Smerconish Suggests Todd Blanche’s Meeting with Ghislaine Maxwell is a Political Hunt
During a recent episode of his CNN program, Michael Smerconish put forth a provocative theory regarding Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s engagement with Ghislaine Maxwell. He insinuated that Blanche’s mission might revolve around uncovering high-profile Democrats potentially linked to Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal activities.
“Ready for my theory?” Smerconish asked, setting the stage for his speculation.
“He is there to collect scalps and not an orange one,” Smerconish remarked, referencing Blanche’s alleged pursuit of incriminating information. “If she’s prepared to pinpoint individuals by name who were involved with Epstein—beyond just visiting his private island or boarding his infamous plane—then this could provide Trump with a political boon to redirect attention.” He further suggested that offering clemency to Maxwell could be a strategic move if she provides names that could shake up the political landscape.
Elie Honig, CNN’s senior legal analyst, countered Smerconish’s optimism, expressing skepticism about any resulting charges from Maxwell’s disclosures. “So, we partially agree and partially disagree,” he stated. “While I do believe that the names she might reveal will eventually come to light, I doubt the Department of Justice will prosecute anyone based on her claims. Perhaps there will be some announcement, but my experience as a prosecutor leads me to believe they will be cautious.”
Honig elaborated, “It’s hard to envision the DOJ deeming Ghislaine Maxwell as a fully credible witness to warrant a reduction in her sentence or to indict others based on her testimony. There may be names mentioned, but I don’t foresee any further indictments coming from this.” He cited a recent statement from Maxwell’s attorney, David Markus, who revealed that she was questioned about 100 names, raising the question: did she implicate any of them in wrongdoing? If she did not, Honig questioned her credibility.
In response, Smerconish conceded, “In any different DOJ, I would agree with you that the idea of indictments flowing from this is preposterous.”
Currently, Ghislaine Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence after being convicted of “conspiring with Jeffrey Epstein to sexually abuse minors.”
WATCH: