A longtime associate of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the subject of a political storm surrounding President Donald Trump, on Tuesday sought immunity from future prosecution as a condition for testifying to a U.

The Trump administration has dealt with weeks of criticism for the Justice Department's decision not to release files about Jeffrey Epstein.

Ghislaine Maxwell appealed to Congress on Tuesday to push for a pardon so she can "testify openly and honestly" about the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to a letter from her attorney. The overt pitch for clemency came in a letter to the House Oversight Committee which had subpoenaed Maxwell for testimony and records.