Ambassador Zampolli Volunteers Congressional Testimony on Trump Introduction
Italian-American diplomat Paolo Zampolli declared on Thursday his readiness to testify before Congress to establish that he was the individual who introduced President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. Zampolli made this significant announcement during a telephone interview with the Daily Mail, following the First Lady's unexpected public statement regarding serial paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. This statement reportedly even surprised President Trump himself.
First Lady Denies Epstein Introduction Rumours
Among her remarks, the First Lady explicitly refuted persistent rumours that it was Jeffrey Epstein who introduced her to her future husband. In response, Zampolli stated unequivocally, 'I'm ready to testify in Congress, in front of Congress, to say who introduced the First Lady, and I'm ready to even bring another 50 witnesses to say they were present that night.' He added, 'The whole world knows this. This is old news.'
The widely reported story details that the future first couple initially met at a New York Fashion Week party in September 1998. The event was held at the Kit Kat Club and hosted by Zampolli, who at that time worked as a modelling agent.
Motivation Behind the First Lady's Statement
When questioned about what prompted Melania Trump's surprising public address, Zampolli expressed his belief that her motivation stems from genuine compassion for Epstein's numerous victims. 'I'm sure she cares about the victims and everybody that has been a victim has a right to expose this animal,' Zampolli told the Daily Mail. He further praised the First Lady, saying, 'I think the First Lady has the biggest heart in the world, she's a family woman, and she's our marvelous First Lady.'
Marc Beckman, a senior adviser to the First Lady, explained to the Daily Mail that Melania Trump chose to speak out because 'enough is enough' and 'the lies must stop.' The timing of her statement was notable, as coverage of escalating tensions with Iran had largely overshadowed the Epstein narrative, except for ongoing congressional debates concerning former Attorney General Pam Bondi's potential deposition related to Epstein.
Presidential Reaction and Statement Details
President Trump himself indicated he was unaware of his wife's plans, telling MSNOW he didn't 'know anything about' her intention to address the Epstein matter. The First Lady's office had distributed a press release on Wednesday announcing her planned remarks but provided no indication of the subject matter.
During a brief statement, where she did not respond to shouted questions from reporters, Melania Trump made it explicitly clear that she was neither a 'friend' of Jeffrey Epstein nor a 'victim' of the convicted paedophile. Zampolli echoed this sentiment, stating, 'I honestly think, deep in her heart, she cares about the victims. I know she's not a victim. We know that.' He elaborated on the nature of their acquaintance with Epstein, saying, 'They met randomly, they met socially - everybody knew Epstein.'
Zampolli's Name in Epstein Files and Personal Allegations
The New York Times has confirmed that Paolo Zampolli's name appears within the Epstein files. A report alleged that the ambassador, who serves as President Trump's Special Envoy for Global Partnership, had reported his ex-girlfriend for being in the United States illegally. Zampolli firmly denied these allegations to the Daily Mail, asserting, 'At no time did I request any favors from my colleagues,' and refuting claims he used his presidential connections to have his ex, Brazilian model Amanda Ungaro, deported.
He clarified his actions, explaining, 'My inquiries were solely aimed at understanding the situation, and any advice I sought was strictly in relation to my son's safety.' The Times also reported that both Zampolli and Ungaro were acquainted with Epstein, and that Epstein and Zampolli had previously discussed a potential joint venture to purchase a modelling agency. However, a 2011 email from Epstein to an Emirati businessman presented a contradictory view, warning, 'Be careful, [Zampolli] is trouble. Lots. He sells stories to the press.'
Dismissal of Personal Motivations
In his Thursday phone call, Zampolli dismissed any suggestion that his contentious relationship with Amanda Ungaro had influenced the First Lady's decision to make her statement. 'There's no way. This is the First Lady of the United States. Do you think she cares about my ex?' he questioned rhetorically.
Since her deportation, Ungaro has given interviews to Brazilian media, recounting her experience as a 17-year-old in 2002 flying on Epstein's private jet, infamously known as the Lolita Express. She described feeling profoundly uncomfortable, stating, 'All I wanted was to get off that plane. I knew something was wrong - I just didn't know what. At the time, it never crossed my mind that it could involve abuse.' Notably, Ungaro has not suggested that Epstein maintained a close relationship with the Trumps.
