Melania Trump denies Epstein ties in rare public statement

• Melania Trump denies any close ties to Jeffrey Epstein or involvement in related allegations.
• She calls for congressional hearings to allow Epstein’s victims to testify publicly.
• She rejects online claims linking her to Epstein, calling them false and misleading.

US First Lady Melania Trump issued a rare public statement on Thursday denying any close ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and rejecting claims that he was involved in introducing her to her husband Donald Trump.

Speaking from the White House without taking questions from reporters, she said: “I am not Epstein’s victim. Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump,” adding that she had “never had any knowledge” of Epstein’s alleged abuse of victims and was not involved “in any capacity.”

Melania Trump also called on the US Congress to hold public hearings allowing Epstein’s victims to testify under oath. She said survivors deserve a formal platform to share their accounts, stating that justice requires their voices to be heard publicly.

Her remarks come amid renewed attention to Epstein-related documents released by the US Department of Justice, which include heavily redacted materials and references that have fueled ongoing political debate over how the case has been handled.

Melania also addressed circulating online claims linking her to Epstein, calling them false and urging the public to be cautious about misinformation. She said she first met Epstein in 2000 at a social event attended by Donald Trump, and denied ever visiting his private island or flying on his aircraft.

Her statement marks an unusual public intervention on the issue as scrutiny over Epstein’s network and past associations continues to draw political and public attention in Washington.