Fri Aug 22 19:27:44 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text, written from an Indian perspective and suitable for “The Hindu”:
**Summary:**
The Trump administration, facing backlash for its handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, released transcripts of interviews with Ghislaine Maxwell. Maxwell repeatedly denied witnessing any inappropriate behavior by Donald Trump, praising him as a “gentleman”. This move appears aimed at damage control, particularly after failing to deliver on hyped-up promises of revealing damaging information. The release follows criticism of the administration’s initial handling of the case, including controversial decisions regarding document releases and insinuations of a cover-up. The Justice Department is also providing records to the House Oversight Committee, while Maxwell has been moved to a different prison facility. The case continues to draw scrutiny due to Epstein’s connections with prominent figures, and the focus is now on whether the released information will quell public anger and conspiracy theories.
**News Article:**
**Trump Administration Releases Maxwell Transcripts in Epstein Case Damage Control Attempt**
*Washington, August 23, 2025* – The Trump administration, reeling from criticism over its handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, has released transcripts of interviews conducted with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former girlfriend. The release is seen as an attempt to quell growing discontent and address accusations of a cover-up, according to observers here in Washington.
The transcripts reveal that Maxwell repeatedly denied witnessing any sexually inappropriate behavior by President Trump, going as far as to praise him as a “gentleman.” This comes after weeks of speculation and accusations that the administration was withholding key information related to Epstein’s network.
“I actually never saw the President in any type of massage setting,” Ms. Maxwell said, according to the transcript. “I never witnessed the President in any inappropriate setting in any way. The President was never inappropriate with anybody. In the times that I was with him, he was a gentleman in all respects.”
The timing of the release is particularly noteworthy. The Trump administration had built up expectations of revealing damaging information, driven partly by comments from officials who previously promoted conspiracy theories related to the case. However, initial document releases proved underwhelming, triggering accusations of misleading the public.
“This appears to be an attempt by the administration to regain control of the narrative,” said political analyst, Rajesh Kumar, based in New Delhi. “The Epstein case has been a persistent headache for the White House, and they are clearly hoping that these transcripts will at least temporarily silence their critics.”
Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence for her role in Epstein’s sex-trafficking crimes, was moved to a new facility in Texas following her interview with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. The reasons for the transfer remain unclear.
Meanwhile, the Justice Department has also begun providing records to the House Oversight Committee, signaling a further attempt to increase transparency. It remains to be seen whether these measures will satisfy the public’s demand for answers and bring closure to this long-standing saga.
The Epstein case continues to cast a long shadow over Washington, raising questions about the relationships between powerful figures and the now-deceased financier. The Indian diaspora in the US are following the case with interest as well.
First Piper 