Melania Trump Denies Ties to Jeffrey Epstein in Public Remarks

Melania Trump, the first lady, delivered prepared remarks at the White House on Thursday denying any association with Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in 2019. She stated she never had knowledge of Epstein's abuse and was not a victim. Trump described the rumors as smears and mean-spirited attempts to defame her reputation.

Trump specifically denied being friends with Epstein. She addressed claims that Epstein introduced her to Donald Trump, her husband. The remarks responded to ongoing public speculation about her past interactions with Epstein.

The New York Times reported that Trump called for a congressional hearing to support Epstein's victims.

This call came amid renewed attention to Epstein's network following his death and related legal proceedings. No other sources detailed additional policy proposals from the remarks. A late-night host aired a photo of Trump and Epstein together after her address.

The photo, from an undated event, showed the two in social settings.

A news outlet covered the remarks, focusing on Trump's denial of links to Epstein.

The BBC noted Trump's characterization of the rumors as defamatory. The New York Times described the address as a surprise appearance at the White House. A late-night host's segment referenced Trump's past modeling career and Epstein's presence in similar circles.

No direct response from the White House to the host's comments appeared in the sources.

faced conviction in 2008 for sex crimes and died by suicide in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal charges.

Multiple sources confirmed Trump's denial of friendship or association. Rumors persisted about Epstein's social ties to high-profile figures, including the Trumps, though no verified evidence of wrongdoing by Melania Trump emerged in the coverage.