Donald Trump has said he wishes Ghislaine Maxwell “well” as Jeffrey Epstein’s former girlfriend faces charges of sex trafficking young girls.

The US president was asked about whether the British socialite will “turn in powerful people”, including the Duke of York, during his first revived coronavirus press briefing.

President Trump said: “I don’t know, I haven’t really been following it too much.

“I just wish her well frankly. I have met her numerous times over the years, especially since I lived in Palm Beach and I guess they lived in Palm Beach.

“But I wish her well, whatever it is.”

He added: “I don’t know the situation with Prince Andrew. I just don’t know. I am not aware of it.”

Last week, Maxwell denied that she helped recruit girls for the disgraced financier – who died in custody – as she was charged in New York.

The daughter of late UK media mogul Robert Maxwell was denied bail as the judge stated she was a risk to flee. 

Maxwell will go on trial in July 2021.

Epstein had a wide circle of friends including Prince Andrew, former US president Bill Clinton and Trump himself.

The duke has also been urged to come forward and be interviewed about his friendship with Epstein, calls that were renewed after his friend Maxwell appeared in court.

The duke’s legal team has stressed he has made three offers to help US prosecutors.

Andrew stepped down from public royal life in November last year after his disastrous Newsnight interview in which he failed to show remorse over his friendship with Epstein.

One of Epstein’s victims, Virginia Giuffre, who claims she was trafficked by the financier, alleges that Andrew had sex with her on three separate occasions, including when she was 17, still a minor under US law.

Andrew categorically denies any wrongdoing.