First Lady Melania Trump has publicly denied any connection to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, dismissing speculation about their relationship and urging an end to what she described as “lies”.
In a rare appearance at the White House, the First Lady said she had never been involved with Epstein and was not among his victims. Delivering a prepared statement without taking questions, she addressed rumours circulating online and in parts of the media.
“The lies linking me with Jeffrey Epstein need to end today,” she said. “I am not his victim.”
She also rejected claims that Epstein had introduced her to her husband, Donald Trump, stating that the couple first met at a New York party in 1998. According to her account, she only later “crossed paths” with Epstein at a separate event in 2000.
Her remarks have brought fresh attention to the long-running Epstein case, which continues to draw political and public scrutiny in the United States.
Epstein, who was convicted in 2008 of offences including procuring a minor for prostitution, was later charged with sex trafficking before his death in custody in 2019, which was ruled a suicide. His network of high-profile contacts has remained a subject of intense interest.
Melania Trump said she had no knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities at the time and denied any meaningful relationship with him or his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell.
“I have never been friends with Epstein,” she said, adding that any overlap came from attending the same social events, which she described as common in circles in New York and Palm Beach.
Addressing previously released documents, the First Lady referred to a 2002 email exchange with Maxwell, describing it as “casual correspondence” and a “trivial note”. The message, which referenced a magazine article about Epstein, has been cited in ongoing discussions about individuals linked to him, but she said it did not indicate any close relationship.
She also called on Congress to hold public hearings where Epstein’s victims could give evidence under oath, arguing that those affected should have the opportunity to speak publicly if they wish.
However, some survivors have opposed the proposal, saying they have already shared their experiences and that responsibility now lies with authorities to act on existing evidence.
The timing of the statement has prompted questions in Washington, as the issue had largely faded from headlines in recent weeks. There was little advance notice of her remarks, and it remains unclear how much detail the president had about the content beforehand.
A senior adviser said she chose to speak out because “enough is enough” and wanted to directly challenge what she considers false claims.
The intervention comes as the Trump administration faces ongoing pressure over its handling of files related to Epstein. While Donald Trump has acknowledged knowing Epstein socially in the past, he has said their relationship ended in the early 2000s.
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