First Lady Melania Trump firmly denied any association with Jeffrey Epstein on Thursday, asserting she was not one of his victims. Her statement brought the Epstein controversy back into public focus after her husband had attempted to move past the issue. She dismissed online rumors suggesting Epstein introduced her to Donald Trump, clarifying that she met her husband at a New York City party in 1998, two years before encountering Epstein at a separate event attended with Trump.
In a significant development, Melania urged Congress to conduct public hearings where Epstein’s victims could share their experiences under oath, potentially reigniting public attention on a matter the president prefers to avoid. Speaking from the White House foyer under the presidential seal, she declared, “The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today,” and emphasized, “I am not Epstein’s victim,” addressing what she described as baseless smears.
This rare public address by a first lady has renewed scrutiny of the Epstein case, which has unsettled Donald Trump’s presidency. Even some supporters have criticized the administration’s handling of the release of government files related to Epstein. Last week, President Trump dismissed Attorney General Pam Bondi amid criticism over the Justice Department’s slow disclosure of millions of Epstein-related documents. Trump, once a friend of Epstein who claims to have severed ties in the early 2000s, is among numerous prominent figures named in the files, which include celebrities, politicians, and intellectuals.
Melania did not explain why she chose to speak out at this moment, especially as the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran dominates headlines. However, her senior adviser stated that she decided to act because “enough is enough” and the falsehoods must stop. Her aides were informed in advance of her plans to issue the statement.
Experts noted the unusual nature of her address. Michael LaRosa, former press secretary to First Lady Jill Biden, remarked that a contemporary first lady rarely confronts controversy publicly, especially from the White House state floor, calling the move courageous. He added that Melania’s deliberate approach to public appearances suggests this statement might be definitive on the matter.
Melania Trump reiterated she had no personal relationship with Epstein or his convicted associate Ghislaine Maxwell, with whom she said she only exchanged casual correspondence. She recounted first encountering Epstein in 2000 at an event with Donald Trump, five years before their marriage, and stated she was unaware of Epstein’s criminal activities at that time.
Epstein, who pleaded guilty in 2008 to Florida felonies including procuring a minor for prostitution, faced federal sex-trafficking charges in 2019 before dying in jail in an apparent suicide. Melania emphasized, “I have never been friends with Epstein,” explaining that she and Donald Trump occasionally attended the same social events as Epstein due to overlapping circles in New York City and Palm Beach.
Earlier this year, she avoided commenting on Maxwell’s victims during an event with former Hamas captives in Gaza. Meanwhile, President Trump has sought to shift focus away from Epstein-related discussions, stating in February that the country should move on since nothing incriminating had emerged about him.
The Trump administration, responding to pressure from the president’s political supporters, directed the Justice Department to release files connected to Epstein investigations in compliance with a congressional transparency law. Among these documents is a 2002 email from Melania to Maxwell referencing a New York Magazine article about Epstein, which Melania described as a “trivial note” and casual correspondence.
However, about a dozen Epstein survivors opposed Melania’s call for public hearings, asserting they have already contributed significantly through testimony and reports. They urged the Justice Department to fully implement the Epstein Files Transparency Act instead of reopening public hearings.
