Trump Rejects Allegations, Calls Claims “Baseless Lies”
Melania Trump publicly denied any connection to Jeffrey Epstein or knowledge of his crimes during a rare statement delivered from the White House on Thursday, calling the accusations against her false and damaging.
Reading from prepared remarks, Melania Trump said claims linking her to the convicted sex offender were “completely false” and described them as “unfound and baseless lies.”
She accused unnamed individuals of attempting to harm her reputation for political and financial reasons.
“The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today,” she said. “The individuals lying about me are devoid of ethical standards, humility and respect.”
The first lady did not take questions following her remarks, which lasted about five minutes.
Push for Congressional Hearing on Epstein Victims
Alongside her denial, Melania Trump called on Congress to hold a public hearing focused on survivors of Epstein’s crimes, urging lawmakers to allow victims to testify and have their accounts formally recorded.
“Each and every woman should have her day to tell her story in public if she wishes,” she said. “Then, and only then, we will have the truth.”
Two of Epstein’s accusers, Maria and Annie Farmer, later responded by emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency, echoing calls for further public examination of the case.
Statement Reignites Political Debate
The statement immediately drew reactions from both sides of the political aisle. Democrats pointed to the first lady’s remarks as further reason to move forward with hearings, with Rep. Robert Garcia calling on House leadership to act.
Republican Rep. Thomas Massie also weighed in, shifting focus to the Justice Department and calling for prosecutions tied to Epstein’s network.
The issue has remained politically sensitive, with divisions continuing among Republicans over how aggressively to pursue investigations related to Epstein and those connected to him.
Questions Remain Around Past Social Circles
Melania Trump acknowledged she moved in some of the same social circles as Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell but said she was not friends with either.
She also addressed a previously reported email exchange with Maxwell, describing it as a routine and insignificant response.
“My polite reply to her email doesn’t amount to anything more than a trivial note,” she said.
Documents released in recent months included a brief email signed “Love, Melania,” as well as photographs showing the Trumps alongside Epstein and Maxwell at social gatherings.
Epstein Case Continues to Resurface
The first lady’s remarks come months after federal authorities released millions of pages of documents under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, though some lawmakers have criticized the limited scope of disclosures so far.
Jeffrey Epstein, a financier with connections to high-profile political and business figures, died in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. Maxwell was later convicted in 2021 and sentenced to 20 years in prison for her role in recruiting and abusing underage girls.
It remains unclear what prompted Melania Trump to issue her statement now, as the administration had largely moved away from public discussion of the Epstein case in recent months.
Still, her remarks have placed the issue back into national focus, particularly as calls grow for broader transparency and accountability tied to Epstein’s network.
