Melania Trump had denied any connection to Jeffrey Epstein, forcefully rejecting allegations linking her to his crimes and calling for an end to what she described as defamatory claims against her.
In a rare public statement delivered at the White House, the first lady said she and her legal team were taking action against what she called false accusations, pushing back as the controversy surrounding Epstein resurfaced.
“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. I do not object to their ignorance, but rather I reject their mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation.”
Her remarks brought renewed attention to the Epstein case, which had lingered over the administration of Donald Trump, even as focus in Washington shifted toward geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The statement came as the president had sought to move past the controversy after more than a year of scrutiny.
Melania Trump did not provide details about the specific allegations but said they originated from “individuals and entities looking to cause damage to my good name,” adding that such claims were driven by financial and political motives.
She also used the moment to call for a broader public reckoning over Epstein’s crimes, urging lawmakers to provide a platform for survivors. “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 call was echoed by some of Epstein’s accusers, including Maria Farmer and Annie Farmer, who said they were seeking “accountability, transparency, and justice.”
Political reactions quickly followed. Former lawmaker Marjorie Taylor Greene praised the first lady’s remarks, while Democrats backed her call for congressional hearings. Robert Garcia urged the House Oversight Committee to act “immediately,” directing attention to committee chair James Comer.
Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, who had previously pushed for the release of Epstein-related documents, renewed calls for further legal action, saying it was the responsibility of the Justice Department to bring in survivors for testimony and pursue prosecutions.
The issue had continued to divide political circles, raising questions about the extent of Epstein’s network and whether authorities had fully disclosed information about his alleged associates. Public opinion polls had also reflected widespread skepticism, with many Americans believing that key details remained hidden.
Addressing her own past interactions, Melania Trump said she was not friends with Epstein or his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, though she acknowledged they had moved in similar social circles in New York and Florida. She described a previously disclosed email exchange as insignificant.
“My polite reply to her email doesn’t amount to anything more than a trivial note,” she said.
She also rejected claims that Epstein had introduced her to Donald Trump, stating that she met her future husband independently at a New York City party in 1998.
Her statement followed renewed scrutiny after the release of documents under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandated the disclosure of files related to Epstein and Maxwell. While millions of pages had been released, lawmakers said additional documents were still under review to protect sensitive information about victims.
Erizia Rubyjeana
