U.S. First Lady Melania Trump has publicly denied any connection to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, dismissing circulating claims as false and misleading.
In an unexpected statement delivered at the White House on Thursday, Melania Trump rejected allegations linking her to Epstein, whose criminal case has remained a recurring controversy in U.S. politics.
“The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today,” she said, describing those behind the claims as lacking “ethical standards, humility and respect.”
The First Lady, a former model, acknowledged that she and her husband, U.S. President Donald Trump, had previously appeared in social settings where Epstein was present. However, she insisted that images and narratives suggesting a deeper connection were fabricated.
She said misleading photos and statements associating her with Epstein have circulated on social media for years, urging the public to be cautious about misinformation.
“I have never had any knowledge of Epstein’s abuse of his victims. I was never involved in any capacity,” she said, adding that she had never been on Epstein’s private plane or visited his island.
Epstein died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges involving minors. His case has continued to generate public scrutiny and periodic disclosures, including the release of related documents by U.S. authorities.
Melania Trump also called on lawmakers to organise public hearings for survivors of Epstein’s abuse, saying it would provide victims an opportunity to testify under oath.
The statement comes amid renewed attention on past associations tied to Epstein, even as other global developments continue to dominate headlines.
