Melania Trump denies Epstein links, calls for survivor hearings

US First Lady Melania Trump has publicly rejected any connection to Jeffrey Epstein, using a rare White House address to push back against long-running speculation and shift focus toward accountability for victims.

In a brief statement on Thursday, she directly addressed claims about her alleged ties to Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell.

“To be clear, I never had a relationship with Epstein or his accomplice, Maxwell. My email reply to Maxwell cannot be categorised as anything more than casual correspondence,” she said.

The remarks follow the recent release of Epstein-related files by the Department of Justice, which reignited scrutiny of individuals linked to his social circle. Among the materials was a partially redacted 2002 email exchange involving Melania and Maxwell.

Melania also addressed claims about how she met Donald Trump, rejecting reports that the introduction took place on Epstein’s private plane.

“My name has never appeared in court documents, depositions, victim statements or FBI interviews surrounding the Epstein matter,” she said.

“I have never had any knowledge of Epstein’s abuse of his victims. I was never involved in any capacity. I was not a participant. Was never on Epstein’s plane and never visited his private island.”

Her comments come as the Epstein case continues to cast a long political shadow in Washington. Although Epstein died in custody in 2019 while awaiting trial, questions about his network — and who may have been protected — remain unresolved.

In her speech, Melania shifted from denial to a broader appeal for transparency, backing calls for Congress to hold public hearings for survivors.

“I call on Congress to provide the women who have been victimised by Epstein with a public hearing specifically centred around the survivors. Give these victims their opportunity to testify under oath in front of Congress with the power of sworn testimony,” she said.

“Each and every woman should have her day to tell her story in public, if she wishes, and then her testimony should be permanently entered into the Congressional Record. Then, and only then, we will have the truth.”

The timing of the address remains unclear. Public attention has recently been dominated by international developments, but investigations into the handling of Epstein-related materials continue in Congress.