Melania Trump Denies Epstein Ties, Urges Victims’ Hearings
Melania Trump Denies Epstein Ties, Urges Victims’ Hearings
First Lady Melania Trump denies any link to Jeffrey Epstein, condemns online rumours, and calls for congressional hearings for survivors.
In a surprise announcement at the White House, First Lady Melania Trump denied any connection to Jeffrey Epstein and urged Congress to hear from survivors of his sex trafficking. She told reporters that she has never had any knowledge of Epstein’s abuse, and that she was never involved in any capacity. “I was never a participant,” she said, adding that claims tying her to Epstein “need to end today.”
Trump also rejected rumours of any relationship with Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell, describing a 2002 email exchange as “casual correspondence” and a “polite reply.” The email, released as part of Epstein files, includes brief compliments and references to a Palm Beach trip and a New York Magazine story. She said she cannot wait to go to Palm Beach, and the message was simply normal correspondence.
The first lady’s remarks also touched on the broader context of the Epstein case. She said she had briefly “crossed paths” with Epstein in 2000 but stressed she was never involved in his abuse. The White House schedule had shown no indication that the topic would be raised, and there was no prior notice from her office about the remarks.
In a call to action, she urged Congress to continue hearings for survivors of Epstein’s sex trafficking, emphasising the importance of listening to victims and seeking accountability. The episode has reignited questions about Epstein’s network and has kept the spotlight on online rumours, which she described as mean-spirited attempts to defame her reputation.
