Melania Trump Denies Ties to Jeffrey Epstein in Rare White House Statement

On April 9, 2026, First Lady Melania Trump delivered a surprise public address from the White House, directly addressing long-circulating rumors and conspiracy theories linking her to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In a nearly six-minute statement delivered from the Grand Foyer, she firmly rejected any close personal or improper connections, declaring that “the lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today.”Melania Trump’s surprise Epstein statement prompts bafflement | Melania Trump | The Guardian

Melania Trump stated she had “never been friends with Epstein” and emphasized that any social overlap with him and her husband, President Donald Trump, stemmed from shared circles in New York City and Palm Beach social scenes. She clarified that she and Donald Trump attended some of the same events as Epstein occasionally but maintained no relationship with him or his accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell. She specifically addressed a past polite email reply to Maxwell, describing it as “trivial” and “casual correspondence” rather than evidence of any deeper tie.

First Lady Melania Trump’s Statement pic.twitter.com/juyoDgi2QR

— First Lady Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) April 10, 2026

First lady Melania Trump delivered rare and unexpected remarks Thursday denying any friendship or relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. She called on Congress to hold a public hearing with Epstein’s survivors. https://t.co/R5oFxVfm5z pic.twitter.com/LRTBgeJ9tB

— CBS Evening News with Tony Dokoupil (@CBSEveningNews) April 9, 2026

Addressing persistent online claims, Melania denied that Epstein introduced her to Donald Trump. She noted that she met her husband by chance at a New York City party in 1998, well before any alleged interactions with Epstein in social settings around 2000. She added pointedly: “I am not Epstein’s victim. I was never involved in any capacity.” She described accusations against her as “mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation” and “baseless lies” pushed by individuals lacking ethical standards.

In a notable addition to her remarks, the First Lady called on Congress to hold public hearings allowing Epstein’s survivors to testify under oath. She urged that victims’ stories be entered into the Congressional Record, stating that “each and every woman should have her day to tell her story in public, if she wishes.” This proposal has drawn mixed reactions, with some survivors and advocates welcoming the chance for testimony while others viewed the overall statement as shifting focus or renewing unwanted attention on the scandal.

Melania Trump has said claims linking her to Epstein “need to stop” in a rare White House address. She also called for Congress to hold a special public hearing for survivors.

Lisa Phillips, a survivor of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse, spoke to Sky’s @marthakelner pic.twitter.com/7HwOef7IGB

— Sky News (@SkyNews) April 10, 2026

The address was unusual for Melania Trump, who has generally maintained a lower public profile during the second Trump administration. It comes amid ongoing discussions and partial releases of Epstein-related documents, though no new widespread allegations directly targeting her had dominated headlines in the immediate lead-up. Observers noted the statement appeared aimed at shutting down rumors once and for all, though it has instead sparked fresh debate and media coverage of the Epstein case.

Melania Trump concluded by reiterating her rejection of the claims and her support for transparency for victims. The full remarks were livestreamed and quickly circulated across major news outlets, highlighting the enduring public fascination with the Epstein saga even years after his death in 2019.