First lady Melania Trump delivered a forceful statement Thursday from the White House, rejecting allegations tying her to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
Speaking from the Grand Foyer, Trump directly addressed what she described as false reports about any connection to Epstein. “The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today. The individuals lying about me are devoid of ethical standards, humility and respect,” she said. “I do not object to their ignorance, but rather I reject their mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation.”
Trump denied ever being a victim of Epstein and dismissed scrutiny over an email exchange with Maxwell, describing it as a “tribal note.” She also firmly rejected claims that she had any deeper relationship with Epstein, stating she was never friends with him. According to Trump, she and Donald Trump simply moved in overlapping social circles in New York and Palm Beach during that time.
Addressing another widely circulated claim, the first lady pushed back against suggestions that Epstein played a role in introducing her to her husband. She further emphasized that she was never involved in any sex trafficking activities, and stated she never flew on Epstein’s private plane or visited his private island.
In addition to defending herself, Trump called on Congress to take action. She urged lawmakers to allow testimony from Epstein’s victims and ensure their accounts are formally entered into the public record. She advocated for a hearing “specifically centered around the survivors,” shifting focus toward those directly affected.
