US First Lady Melania Trump has issued an unexpected and forceful denial of any connection to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, rejecting claims that she had knowledge of his abuse or was ever a victim.
Speaking at the White House on Thursday, the 55-year-old made rare on-camera remarks in which she condemned what she called false claims linking her to Epstein.
“The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today,” she said, adding that those spreading such claims were “devoid of ethical standards, humility and respect.”
It remains unclear what prompted the statement, which did not reference specific allegations. Melania Trump said she had met her husband, US President Donald Trump, independently two years before any contact with Epstein.
“I am not Epstein’s victim. Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump,” she said, adding that she had never been involved in Epstein’s criminal conduct, never travelled on his aircraft, and never visited his private island.
She also dismissed online claims involving her and Epstein as fabricated, warning the public to be cautious about misinformation circulating on social media.
Melania Trump further called on lawmakers to hold a public congressional hearing for survivors of Epstein’s abuse, saying victims should be given the opportunity to testify under oath.
The remarks drew responses from Epstein accusers, including sisters Maria and Annie Farmer, who said they sought “accountability, transparency and justice” and urged the release of remaining investigative records held by the US Department of Justice.
Epstein died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges involving minors. The case has continued to fuel controversy in US politics, including during Donald Trump’s presidency.
Photographs from earlier years show Donald and Melania Trump alongside Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, though both have denied any wrongdoing or involvement in Epstein’s crimes.
The White House statement has triggered widespread speculation online, particularly given Melania Trump’s typically private public profile and infrequent media appearances.