Melania Trump Denies Epstein Links, Demands Congressional Hearings for Victims
In a rare public address from the White House, First Lady Melania Trump has vehemently denied any association with the convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. She called for survivors of Epstein's crimes to be granted the opportunity to testify before Congress, emphasising the need for transparency and justice.
Statement Addresses Years of False Allegations
Mrs Trump's statement, delivered on Thursday, was listed on the official White House schedule without prior indication of its content. She asserted that fabricated images and statements linking her to Epstein have circulated on social media for years, branding them as "completely false" and driven by malicious intent.
"The lies linking me to the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today," she declared. "The individuals lying about me are devoid of ethical standards, humility, and respect."
Clarifying Social Interactions and Email Correspondence
Mrs Trump clarified that while she and her husband, former President Donald Trump, occasionally attended the same social events as Epstein due to overlapping circles in New York City and Palm Beach, she never had a personal relationship with him or his accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell. She described a 2002 email to Maxwell, which surfaced in released Justice Department documents, as mere casual correspondence.
"My polite reply to her email doesn't amount to anything more than a trivial note," she explained, referencing the message that began with "Dear G!" and ended "Love, Melania." The email was sent in the same month a New York Magazine article featured Mr Trump praising Epstein as a "terrific guy."
Emphatic Denials of Involvement
Mrs Trump categorically denied any involvement in Epstein's criminal activities, stating:
- She is not a victim, witness, or named witness in any Epstein-related cases.
- Her name has never appeared in court documents, depositions, victim statements, or FBI interviews.
- She had no knowledge of Epstein's abuse and was never on his plane or private island.
- She has never been legally accused or convicted of crimes connected to Epstein, sex trafficking, or abuse of minors.
She attributed the smears to "mean-spirited and politically motivated individuals" seeking financial gain or political advancement.
Call for Congressional Action and Political Reactions
Mrs Trump urged Congress to act, highlighting that Epstein did not operate alone and noting resignations of prominent executives following the scandal's politicisation. "I call on Congress to provide the women who have been victimised by Epstein with a public hearing," she said, advocating for sworn testimony to be entered into the Congressional Record.
Democrats in Washington have supported her call. Congressman Robert Garcia, a top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee investigating Epstein, urged the Republican chairman to schedule a hearing "immediately" via social media.
Broader Implications and UK Connections
The Epstein scandal has extended beyond US borders, impacting UK figures. Former Prince Andrew was stripped of his titles by the King, and Lord Peter Mandelson was dismissed as UK ambassador to the US. Both were arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct related to Epstein connections and released under investigation.
The controversy also threatens to overshadow the upcoming state visit by King Charles to the US, with calls for him to meet survivors. Additionally, there are ongoing demands for his brother to testify before Congress.
Mrs Trump concluded by vowing to continue fighting these allegations through legal means, referencing a recent apology from publisher HarperCollins UK for retracting book passages suggesting Epstein introduced her to Mr Trump.
