First Lady Refutes Epstein Ties, Pushes for Congressional Hearings

US First Lady Melania Trump on Thursday firmly denied allegations linking her to disgraced financier and convicted s3x offender Jeffrey Epstein, describing the claims as false and damaging.

Speaking from the White House, Melania Trump said rumours suggesting any connection to Epstein “need to end today,” stressing that she had no involvement in or knowledge of his criminal activities.

“I am not Epstein’s victim,” she said, also rejecting claims that Epstein played any role in introducing her to President Donald Trump. According to the first lady, she met her husband independently at a social event in 1998.

She criticised those spreading the allegations, accusing them of attempting to harm her reputation through misinformation and fabricated content circulating online.

In her remarks, Melania Trump also called on the US Congress to organise public hearings that would allow Epstein’s victims to share their experiences openly.

“Each and every woman should have the opportunity to tell her story in public, if she chooses,” she said. “Only then can the full truth emerge.”

Epstein, who was arrested in 2019 on federal charges related to the sex trafficking of minors, died later that year in a New York jail. His death was officially ruled a suicide. The case has drawn widespread global attention due to his connections with prominent figures in politics, business and royalty.

Addressing past associations, the first lady acknowledged that she and her husband had occasionally attended the same social events as Epstein but maintained they were never friends.

She also dismissed suggestions of a close relationship with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s associate who was convicted in 2021 on child trafficking charges. Melania Trump described a previously reported email exchange with Maxwell as insignificant and purely courteous.

The Trump administration has faced continued scrutiny over the handling and release of Epstein-related documents. In late 2025, legislation was signed mandating the disclosure of investigation records, leading to the release of millions of pages by the US Department of Justice.

While the first lady did not specify why she chose to address the issue now, she warned the public against believing unverified online content, including manipulated images.

“Be cautious about what you believe,” she said. “These images and stories are completely false.”