Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., delivered a blunt and controversial warning Monday, predicting that convicted Jeffrey Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell would meet a violent end if she were ever released from prison, while also reviving long-running skepticism about the official account of Epstein’s death.
Appearing on Newsmax to react to Maxwell’s recent deposition before Congress, Burchett expressed doubt that she would ever meaningfully cooperate with investigators. During the deposition, Maxwell repeatedly invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, refusing to answer questions about Epstein’s criminal operation and potential co-conspirators.
Burchett said Maxwell’s legal strategy appeared focused on the hope of clemency in exchange for cooperation, though he said he does not believe that outcome is likely.
“I think her attorney’s advising her, as her attorney should, you know she’ll get clemency and she’ll spill the beans, and I don’t see that happening,” Burchett said.
The Tennessee congressman then offered a stark assessment of what he believes could happen if Maxwell were ever freed.
“I see maybe she gets out early on good behavior and does a humongous book deal and probably ends up committing suicide by getting shot in the back of the head five times because this thing goes very deep and the people involved in it are very powerful,” Burchett said.
Burchett went on to reiterate his long-held belief that Epstein did not die by suicide, despite official findings to the contrary.
“And I’m still one of those that believe Epstein didn’t kill himself, ma’am,” he said. “I just don’t think he did.”
Maxwell is serving a federal prison sentence for her role in Epstein’s sex trafficking operation. Epstein himself was found dead in his Manhattan jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal charges. His death was officially ruled a suicide by the Trump administration, but the circumstances have remained the subject of widespread skepticism and debate.
Burchett has previously voiced distrust toward the federal government’s handling of the Epstein case. In July, he told CNN that he did not trust the Department of Justice to fully and transparently investigate Epstein’s crimes or his death.
“You know this town buries secrets,” Burchett said at the time during an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper. “This town does not give up its secrets easy.”
While the official ruling concluded Epstein took his own life, critics across the political spectrum have continued to question how a high-profile inmate facing serious charges was able to die in federal custody under questionable supervision. Burchett is among those lawmakers who argue that the full truth has yet to be revealed.
His comments on Newsmax reflect broader frustration among some conservatives who believe powerful figures tied to Epstein have escaped accountability. Burchett suggested that the depth of Epstein’s network and the influence of those allegedly involved make it unlikely that Maxwell will ever freely and safely disclose everything she knows.
Though his remarks were provocative, they underscored a persistent mistrust of official narratives surrounding one of the most notorious criminal cases in recent history. As Congress continues to seek answers and Maxwell remains silent, Burchett’s warning highlights why many Americans remain unconvinced that the Epstein story has truly reached its end.
