Melania Trump Statement on Epstein: Ex-Official Details Planning, Independence

Melania Trump Addresses Epstein Ties in Planned Statement

Former First Lady Melania Trump has issued a carefully planned statement addressing her past connections to Jeffrey Epstein, a move that surprised many within the White House. Stephanie Grisham, a former chief of staff to Mrs. Trump and White House press secretary, shared insights into the former First Lady’s approach to public statements.

Grisham, who also authored “I’ll Take Your Questions Now: What I Saw at the Trump White House,” explained that Melania Trump is known for her meticulous planning and desire for perfection in all her endeavors. This approach extends to significant public remarks, where she understands that her rare appearances create a substantial impact.

Strategic Planning Behind the Announcement

The press advisory for Melania Trump’s statement was reportedly sent out the day before, indicating a deliberate and organized event. This planning contrasts with reports that President Trump and White House staff were caught off guard by the content of her announcement. Grisham expressed skepticism about President Trump’s claim of complete unawareness.

“When he said he had no idea about it, the first time I called BS and I would stand by that. I’m sure she said she was going to make remarks about Jeffrey Epstein. I’m sure she has been very upset for a very long time about any ties to him, to Maxwell and that he has certainly heard about it.”

Grisham believes Melania Trump likely informed her husband about her intention to speak on the sensitive topic. However, she suggested that the specific call for Congress to allow Epstein survivors to speak under oath might have been kept private by the former First Lady.

Independent Operations of the East Wing

Grisham highlighted the distinct operational style of the East Wing, where Mrs. Trump’s office was located, compared to the West Wing, which houses the President’s staff. She noted that the East Wing often operated independently, especially on high-profile matters that might not align with the West Wing’s priorities.

This independence meant that the East Wing rarely felt the need to run initiatives past the West Wing. Grisham stated, “She made it very clear that our two sides of the house operated very independently, and we never needed to run it past them.”

Melania Trump’s Assertiveness and Independence

The former official also touched upon Melania Trump’s independent nature, recalling an instance during the Trump administration when she called for a staffer’s resignation. Grisham emphasized that Mrs. Trump is a very independent woman who has differing opinions from her husband on many issues. She expressed hope that President Trump would now support his wife’s call for victims to have an opportunity to share their testimony with Congress.

Clarifying Personal History with Epstein

A significant part of Melania Trump’s statement focused on refuting rumors about her past, specifically the claim that Jeffrey Epstein introduced her to Donald Trump. She clarified that she met her husband at a party in 1998 and first encountered Epstein in 2000 at an event they both attended.

At that time, she stated, she had no prior meeting with Epstein and was unaware of his criminal activities. Grisham confirmed that she was aware Epstein did not introduce the couple. She also mentioned that Melania Trump never spoke about Epstein during the six years Grisham worked with her, including the campaign period.

Questions Surrounding the Press Conference’s Focus

Grisham found it unusual that Melania Trump held a major press conference in the White House Cross Hall, using a podium, solely to discuss how she met her husband. She felt this detail might not have been a significant point of concern for most people, suggesting that in social circles like New York or Palm Beach, running into acquaintances and having photos taken is common.

The former chief of staff wondered what prompted Mrs. Trump to feel the need to publicly clarify the origins of her relationship with her husband. The implications of this statement and whether Congress will heed the call for survivor testimony remain to be seen.

Source: ‘She doesn’t do anything on the fly’: Fmr. Melania Trump official reacts to her Epstein statement (YouTube)