Melania Trump Denies Epstein Friendship, Calls for Survivor Testimony

First Lady Addresses Epstein Allegations

In a rare public statement, former First Lady Melania Trump directly addressed persistent rumors and allegations connecting her to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Speaking briefly to reporters after an event, Trump unequivocally denied any close relationship with Epstein, labeling the claims as “mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation.” She stated, “I never been friends with Epstein.”

Social Circles and Casual Contact

Trump explained that while she and her husband, Donald Trump, were invited to parties that Epstein also attended, this was due to overlapping social circles in New York City and Palm Beach. “Donald and I, were invited to the same parties. As Epstein from time to time,” she said. She emphasized that this social overlap does not equate to a personal relationship. “To be clear. I never had a relationship with Epstein. Or his accomplice. Maxwell,” Trump asserted.

Email Exchange Clarified

Addressing a specific email reply to Ghislaine Maxwell that had drawn scrutiny, Trump clarified its nature. “My email reply to Maxwell cannot be categorized as anything more than casual correspondence,” she explained. “My polite reply to her email doesn’t amount to anything more than a trivial note.” She made it clear that this exchange did not signify any deeper connection or knowledge of Epstein’s activities.

Timeline of Encounters

Trump provided a timeline of her encounters with Epstein. She stated that she met her husband, Donald Trump, in 1998 at a New York City party, an event documented in her book. Her first encounter with Epstein, she said, was in the year 2000 at an event she attended with Donald Trump. At that time, she claimed, she had never met Epstein and had no knowledge of his criminal activities. She also stated, “I am not Epstein’s victim. Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump.”

Debunking False Narratives

The former First Lady strongly condemned what she called “numerous fake images and statements about Epstein and me” circulating on social media. “These images and stories are completely false,” Trump declared. She categorically denied being a witness or having any connection to Epstein’s crimes, noting that her name has never appeared in court documents, victim statements, or FBI interviews related to the case. She also stated she was never involved in any capacity, never on Epstein’s plane, and never visited his private islands.

Call for Congressional Action

Beyond refuting personal allegations, Melania Trump called on Congress to take action to support the women who were victimized by Epstein. “I call on Congress to provide the women who have been victimized by Epstein with the public hearing,” she urged. Trump specifically requested that these hearings be centered around the survivors, giving them an opportunity to testify under oath. “Give these victims their opportunity to testify under oath, in front of Congress. With the power of sworn testimony, each and every woman should have her day to tell her story in public, if she wishes.” She concluded by stating that only then would the truth be fully revealed.

Legal Battles and Retractions

Trump also mentioned that her legal team has successfully fought against what she described as “unfound and baseless lies.” She noted that several individuals and companies have already been legally compelled to issue public apologies and retract false statements made about her, including The Daily Beast, James Carville, and Harper Collins UK.

Looking Ahead

Melania Trump’s direct engagement with the Epstein allegations marks a significant moment, aiming to set the record straight. Her call for public testimony from survivors highlights a broader push for accountability and truth in the wake of the Epstein scandal. Future congressional actions and any further legal responses from those who have spread alleged misinformation will be closely watched.

Source: First Lady Denies Friendship with Jeffrey Epstein (YouTube)