The latest effort by Trump subordinates is intended to quell a political crisis precipitated by the department’s announcement that it would not release more files related to the Epstein investigation.

The renewed focus on Ghislaine Maxwell comes amid persistent questions over President Trump’s years-long friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.

The Department of Justice revealed Tuesday that it reached out to Ghislaine Maxwell, former associate of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, for a meeting.