Melania Trump Denies Ties to Jeffrey Epstein

First lady Melania Trump issued a rare public statement on April 10, 2026, denying any relationship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein or his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. Speaking from the White House, the first lady addressed circulating social media claims and redacted documents, asserting that she had no involvement in Epstein’s activities.

The statement was delivered in the Grand Foyer of the White House. According to reports, the address was unexpected, with several aides who gathered to watch the remarks unaware of the specific content beforehand. Melania Trump did not take questions from reporters following the announcement.

Denials and Document Clarifications

The first lady’s remarks specifically targeted claims found in the Epstein files released by the Justice Department. These files included a heavily redacted FBI interview containing a claim that Epstein had introduced the Trumps. Melania Trump explicitly refuted this, stating, Epstein did not introduce me to [President] Donald Trump.

She further denied any awareness of the crimes committed by the sex offender, stating, I have never had any knowledge of Epstein’s abuse of his victims, and asserting that she was never involved in any capacity.

Melania Trump also addressed the presence of fake images and statements regarding her and Epstein on social media. She characterized the allegations as false smears created by mean-spirited and politically motivated individuals and entities seeking financial gain or political advancement.

The false smears about me from mean-spirited and politically motivated individuals and entities looking to cause damage to my good name to gain financially and climb politically must stop.

Melania Trump

Call for Congressional Action

Beyond her personal denials, the first lady called on Congress to hold a public hearing specifically centered on the survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse. She stated that Epstein was not alone and urged lawmakers to provide the victimized women with an opportunity to testify under oath.

This call for transparency comes amid ongoing tensions between the Justice Department and the House Oversight Committee. On April 9, 2026, the Justice Department informed the committee that former Attorney General Pam Bondi would not comply with a subpoena to testify before the panel on April 14. The subpoena was related to Bondi’s handling of Department of Justice documents concerning Epstein.

White House Response

Senior adviser Marc Beckman defended the first lady’s decision to speak out, stating that enough is enough and the lies must stop. Beckman suggested that the public and media should instead focus on the first lady’s achievements and her commitment to the nation.

The public statement marks a departure from the first lady’s typically cautious approach to public remarks and image management. While staff members have previously worked to dismiss rumors regarding Epstein as defamatory, this was the first time Melania Trump addressed the controversy on camera.

The timing of the statement is notable as it brings the Epstein files back into the public focus, despite suggestions from the president and the acting attorney general that the matter should be considered resolved.