First Lady Melania Trump has firmly dismissed any allegations connecting her to the notorious financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In an unexpected address at the White House, she addressed these claims head-on.
“I am not Epstein’s victim,” she declared on Thursday afternoon. “Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump. I met my husband by chance at a New York City party in 1998.”
She emphasized, “I’ve never been friends with Epstein.”
This statement took many by surprise, as there had been no recent reports linking her to Epstein, who died by apparent suicide in August 2019 while in custody on sex trafficking charges.
During her speech, Melania appeared noticeably anxious. She was visibly shaken, emotional, and frequently referred to her notes. After delivering her remarks, she exited the stage without answering any questions from the press.
She stressed that although both she and President Trump moved within similar social circles as Epstein, there were no personal ties. Additionally, she clarified she never interacted with Epstein’s accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell.
She told the room that she first met Epstein in 2000 and that she was unaware of anything untoward despite the fact that he was not charged until years later in 2007. Melania and Donald Trump were married in 2005.
The First Lady said she had seen ‘fake images and statements’ linking her to Epstein on social media for years, and urged viewers to ‘be cautious about what you believe.’
‘I’ve never been friends with Epstein,’ Melania Trump said during an address at the White House on Thursday afternoon
The First Lady said that rumors on social media that linked her to Epstein are false, and that she met Donald Trump at a party in 1998, not through the late sex offender
‘These images and stories are completely false. I’m not a witness or unnamed witness in connection with any of Epstein’s crimes,’ she said.
‘The false smears about me from mean-spirited and politically motivated individuals and entities looking to cause damage to my good name to gain financially and climb politically must stop,’ the First Lady continued. ‘My attorneys and I have fought these unfounded and baseless lies with success, and will continue to maintain my sound reputation without hesitation.’
In a surprising move, Melania called on Congress to hold hearings with victims of Epstein’s abuse.
‘I call on Congress to provide the women who have been victimized by Epstein with a public hearing specifically centered around the survivors,’ she added.
Melania noted how Epstein did not work alone and that several prominent male executives resigned as the scandal became increasingly politicized.
Though that does not amount to the executives being guilty, she said, ‘we still must work openly and transparently to uncover the truth.’
She also addressed an email that she had sent to Maxwell that was published in January, saying that her response was to be polite, and it did not indicate a close relationship.
Buried in the tranche of more than three million Jeffrey Epstein files, is an email signed ‘Love, Melania’ that appears to be addressed to Maxwell.
Donald Trump and his then-girlfriend Melania Knauss, Jeffrey Epstein, and Ghislaine Maxwell at the Mar-a-Lago club, Palm Beach, Florida, February 12, 2000
Trump and the financier chatting to Belgian supermodel Ingrid Seynhaeve at a Victoria’s Secret party at Manhattan’s Laura Belle club in April 1997
Ghislaine Maxwell attends a Theo Fennell party at the Cafe Royal, London, November 10, 1996
The names of the sender and recipient of the October 23, 2002, email are redacted.
The message begins: ‘Dear G! How are you? Nice story about JE in NY mag. You look great on the picture.’
That week, New York Magazine ran a now-infamous story headlined: ‘Jeffrey Epstein: International Moneyman of Mystery.’
The article featured a full-page color illustration of Epstein grinning alongside Bill Clinton in front of his private jet, as the actors Kevin Spacey and Chris Tucker board the aircraft.
The piece included a photo of Maxwell with Epstein at a black tie event, as well as a photo of Donald Trump and the financier chatting to Belgian supermodel Ingrid Seynhaeve at a Victoria’s Secret party.
The email continues: ‘I know you are very busy flying all over the world. How was Palm Beach? I cannot wait to go down. Give me a call when you are back in NY. Have a great time!’
It is signed affectionately: ‘Love, Melania.’
