Melania Trump denies any connection to Jeffrey Epstein and calls for Congressional hearings to allow survivors to testify publicly, reigniting debate over transparency and accountability in the high-profile case.
First Lady Melania Trump has strongly denied any connection to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, firmly dismissing allegations that have circulated online and in media reports. Speaking to reporters at the White House in a rare public appearance, Melania Trump stated that claims linking her to Epstein are false and damaging, urging that such accusations "need to end today".
Her remarks came as a surprise announcement on Thursday, as her office had not previously indicated she would address the issue publicly. The White House schedule did not initially specify that her statement would focus on Epstein-related matters, making the appearance unexpected and drawing significant public and political attention.
In addition to rejecting allegations about her own connection to Epstein, the First Lady called for Congressional hearings that would allow survivors of Epstein’s sex trafficking network to testify under oath. She emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability, stressing that survivors should have the opportunity to publicly share their experiences if they choose.
Melania Trump also addressed online rumours claiming that Epstein played a role in introducing her to former President Donald Trump. She described these claims as malicious attempts to damage her reputation, stating that they are "mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation". She clarified that she only briefly "crossed paths" with Epstein in the year 2000 and had no involvement in any wrongdoing.
"I have never had any knowledge of Epstein abuse of his victims," she said. "I was never involved in any capacity. I was not a participant."
She further denied any personal relationship with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s associate who is currently serving a prison sentence for her role in assisting Epstein’s crimes. Addressing speculation about a 2002 email that appeared in Epstein-related files, Melania Trump described the message as simple "casual correspondence" and a "polite reply" rather than evidence of any personal or professional connection.
The email referenced in reports was reportedly addressed to “G”, believed to refer to Ghislaine Maxwell. In the message, Melania complimented a magazine story featuring Epstein and Maxwell and mentioned travel plans involving Palm Beach. She stated that the communication was ordinary social interaction and not indicative of any meaningful relationship.
The magazine article referenced in the email included comments from Donald Trump describing Epstein as a "terrific guy" and someone who enjoyed socializing. According to the article, Trump remarked, "he's a lot of fun to be with". It also included a controversial quote stating, "It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them on the younger side," and "No doubt about it - Jeffrey enjoys his social life."
During her remarks, Melania Trump emphasized that the primary focus should remain on justice for victims. She urged lawmakers to create a platform where survivors could speak publicly and ensure their testimony becomes part of official Congressional records.
"Each and every woman should have her day to tell her story in public if she wishes, and then her testimony should be permanently entered into the congressional record," she said. "Then, and only then, we will have the truth."
She also acknowledged that several well-known business leaders and public figures have recently faced scrutiny due to previously undisclosed connections with Epstein. While she noted that association alone does not necessarily imply guilt, she stressed the importance of transparency in determining the full extent of Epstein’s network.
"Of course, this doesn't amount to guilt, but we still must work openly and transparently to uncover the truth," she said.
The First Lady did not respond to questions from journalists following her statement.
Shortly after her remarks, California Representative Robert Garcia, a senior Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, released a statement supporting the call for public hearings. He stated, "we agree with Melania Trump's call for a public hearing" and urged committee chairman Republican Representative James Comer to schedule proceedings as soon as possible.
Despite this political support, some survivors and advocates have expressed concerns about the renewed focus on testimony. Family members of Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre, along with survivors Sky and Amanda Roberts, said in a statement to BBC Newsnight that victims have already shown extraordinary courage in coming forward.
They argued that asking survivors to provide additional testimony could shift responsibility away from those in positions of power. "Asking more of them now is a deflection of responsibility, not justice," the statement said. Survivors also claimed that important investigative files related to Epstein have not yet been fully released.
"Survivors have done their part," they said. "Now it's time for those in power to do theirs."
The issue of Melania Trump’s alleged connection to Epstein has also been the subject of legal disputes. In October 2025, HarperCollins UK announced it would remove passages from a publication that included "unverified" claims suggesting Donald and Melania Trump met through Epstein. Similarly, media outlet Daily Beast issued a retraction and apology for an article that it later acknowledged did not meet editorial standards.
The First Lady has also been involved in an ongoing legal disagreement with author Michael Wolff, who wrote in his book Fire and Fury that she was introduced to Donald Trump through a modelling agent linked to Epstein. Wolff responded with legal action after Melania Trump threatened a defamation lawsuit reportedly seeking damages of $1 billion.
"My attorneys and I have fought these unfounded and baseless lies with success, and will continue to maintain my sound reputation without hesitation," she said.
Melania Trump’s appearance at the White House is considered rare, as she has maintained a relatively low public profile despite continuing to hold influence in political and social matters. Her statement is expected to reignite debate regarding the handling of the Justice Department’s investigation into Epstein and the release of related files.
Although Donald Trump has previously acknowledged that he knew Epstein in the past, he has also stated that he later banned him from his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, describing him as a "creep". Trump’s name appeared multiple times in Epstein-related documents, but authorities have not indicated any wrongdoing.
The renewed attention on the Epstein case highlights ongoing demands for accountability, transparency, and justice for victims. As discussions continue in Washington, the First Lady’s remarks have once again brought the issue into the spotlight, prompting calls for further investigation and public hearings.
Source : BBC
