Washington DC: First lady Melania Trump on Thursday firmly denied any connection to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, rejecting online allegations as “completely false” and defamatory.
In a rare and strongly worded statement delivered at the White House, Melania Trump said claims linking her to Epstein were “unfounded and baseless,” accusing those spreading them of attempting to damage her reputation.
“The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today,” she said. “The individuals lying about me are devoid of ethical standards, humility and respect.”
She added that her legal team has already taken action against such claims and achieved success in pushing back against what she described as misinformation.
The first lady also called on Congress to convene public hearings focused on survivors of Epstein’s crimes, urging lawmakers to provide a platform for victims to share their testimonies.
“Each and every woman should have her day to tell her story in public if she wishes,” she said. “Then, and only then, we will have the truth.”
Her remarks come at a time when the political fallout from the Epstein case had begun to recede, overshadowed by global developments, including tensions in the Middle East. However, her intervention could renew attention on the issue.
Melania Trump clarified that while she may have moved in similar social circles in New York and Florida, she was neither friends with Epstein nor his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
Addressing reports of past communication, she described an email exchange with Maxwell as routine and insignificant.
“My polite reply to her email doesn’t amount to anything more than a trifle,” she said.
The statement marks one of the most direct public responses by the first lady on the controversy, as scrutiny around Epstein’s network and connections continues to reverberate through U.S. political and social circles.
