Melania Trump Calls for Transparency on Epstein Ties, Denies Connections

Fri Apr 10 2026 01:12:38 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

In a recent statement, First Lady Melania Trump denied any connection to Jeffrey Epstein and urged Congressional hearings for survivors. She also dismissed rumors linking her to Epstein as defamatory.

Melania Trump addressed the press at the White House, refuting claims of her involvement with Jeffrey Epstein and calling for survivors of his misconduct to share their stories before Congress. Despite her denial, the statements reignited discussion around her past ties and the broader implications of Epstein's legacy. Melania emphasized the importance of survivors' voices in seeking justice while stressing she was not a participant in Epstein's activities.

First Lady Melania Trump has denied connections to Jeffrey Epstein, telling reporters at the White House that any claims linking the two need to end today. In a surprise announcement on Thursday, the first lady called for congressional hearings for survivors of Epstein's sex trafficking.

She also denied online rumours that Epstein introduced her to Donald Trump, calling them mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation.

There was no prior indication from her office that she would make a statement on Epstein, and the White House did not share the topic earlier when her remarks were put on its daily schedule. She stated that she had not been a victim of Epstein, with whom she only briefly crossed paths in 2000.

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. Melania also denied knowing Ghislaine Maxwell, the disgraced financier's jailed associate.

She referred to a 2002 email between her and Maxwell released in the Epstein files, describing it as casual correspondence and a polite reply. The New York Magazine article included quotes from now-President Donald Trump, who had called Epstein a terrific guy.

Additionally, Melania Trump called on lawmakers to allow survivors to testify under oath in front of Congress, emphasizing that each woman should have her day to tell her story and that their testimonies should be permanently recorded. Representative Robert Garcia, a Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, agreed with her call for a public hearing.

Families of Epstein accusers criticized her request, pointing out that survivors have already shown significant bravery in coming forward. They accused the first lady of diverting responsibility from those in power, suggesting she was protecting influential members of her husband’s administration who have not yet released relevant investigative files.

The relationship between the first lady and Epstein has led to ongoing legal challenges. Statements made by Melania are among the rare public appearances she has made since her husband returned to the White House, likely reigniting intense public debate surrounding the Epstein scandal.