Melania Trump Denies Epstein Ties, Urges Congressional Hearing for Survivors

First Lady Melania Trump publicly denied any relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell in a rare statement from the White House on Thursday. She also called on Congress to hold a public hearing allowing Epstein’s survivors to testify under oath.

Speaking in a six-minute livestreamed address, Melania Trump said, “I have never had any knowledge of Epstein’s abuse of his victims. I was never involved in any capacity. I was not a participant. Was never on Epstein’s plane. And never visited his private island.” She emphasized that Epstein did not introduce her to President Donald Trump, stating, “I met my husband by chance at a New York City party in 1998,” and that her first encounter with Epstein was in 2000 at an event she and the president attended together.

The first lady also addressed circulating misinformation, warning, “Numerous fake images and statements about Epstein and me have been circulating on social media for years now. Be cautious about what you believe. These images and stories are completely false.”

Melania Trump referenced a brief email exchange with Maxwell released by the Justice Department, describing it as “polite,” “casual,” and “cannot be categorized as anything more than casual correspondence.”

She urged Congress to provide survivors a platform to share their stories publicly, saying, “Give these victims their opportunity to testify under oath in front of Congress with the power of sworn testimony. 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. Then and only then, we will have the truth.”

Her senior adviser, Marc Beckman, said the first lady chose to speak out because “enough is enough” and “the lies must stop,” adding that the public and media should focus on her achievements and commitment as First Lady.

The statement came shortly after the Justice Department informed the House Oversight Committee that former Attorney General Pam Bondi would not comply with a subpoena to testify before the panel.

Reactions from lawmakers included support for the first lady’s call. Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, called her remarks “pretty stunning” and welcomed the call for survivor testimony, noting, “There are still powerful men out there. There are still stories to be told.”

Republican Rep. Nancy Mace also thanked Melania Trump and echoed the call for transparency, stating, “Now is the time for Congress to act. Epstein was not alone. Several prominent male executives resigned from their powerful positions after this matter became widely politicized. Of course, this doesn’t amount to guilt, but we still must work openly and transparently to uncover the truth.”

President Trump told MS NOW he was unaware of the first lady’s statement before it was made. The GOP-led House Oversight Committee did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Melania Trump’s remarks mark her first on-camera comments regarding the Epstein controversy, a subject her staff has previously sought to dismiss as defamatory rumors.