First Lady Melania Trump has publicly denied any connections to Jeffrey Epstein, telling reporters at the White House that claims linking the two “need to end today.” In a surprise statement, she called for congressional hearings for survivors of Epstein’s sex trafficking, emphasizing the need for transparency and justice in the ongoing investigation into the disgraced financier’s crimes.
Trump dismissed online rumors that Epstein introduced her to Donald Trump, labeling them “mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation.” She stated she had only briefly “crossed paths” with Epstein in 2000 and had no knowledge of his abuse of victims. Additionally, she denied knowing Epstein’s jailed associate Ghislaine Maxwell, describing a 2002 email exchange between them as mere “casual correspondence” and a “polite reply.”
The first lady’s intervention has produced a mixed response from Epstein survivors. One survivor, Lisa Phillips, described the statement as a “bold move” but questioned what more Trump could do to support accusers. Other survivors, including the family of Virginia Giuffre, accused the first lady of protecting “those with power” and deflecting responsibility, suggesting her speech might be “more political theatrics” rather than genuine advocacy.
There was no prior indication from the White House or her office about the statement, making it an unexpected development. President Donald Trump allegedly claimed he did not know about his wife’s remarks beforehand, though a spokesperson later gave unclear comments on his awareness. This rare public appearance by Melania Trump is likely to reignite intense debate over the handling of the Epstein investigation and the release of related files.
In her remarks, Trump urged lawmakers to “give these victims their opportunity to testify under oath in front of Congress,” asserting that “then, and only then, we will have the truth.” She referenced recent resignations of business leaders due to Epstein ties, noting that while this doesn’t prove guilt, it underscores the need for open inquiry. The first lady did not take questions from reporters, leaving uncertainties about the motivations behind her sudden announcement.
Source: www.bbc.com