WASHINGTON — Former First Lady Melania Trump caught many off guard Thursday when she delivered an unexpected public statement rejecting any significant ties to Jeffrey Epstein, the late convicted sex trafficker, during a time when his case had largely disappeared from public discussion.
Speaking from prepared notes at the White House Thursday, Mrs. Trump declared she and her legal team were pushing back against “unfound and baseless lies” regarding her relationship with the deceased financier, who used his connections among wealthy and influential people to find victims and hide his criminal activities.
“The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today,” she declared. “The individuals lying about me are devoid of ethical standards, humility and respect. I do not object to their ignorance, but rather I reject their mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation.”
Mrs. Trump declined to answer reporters’ questions following her remarks, leaving numerous unanswered questions about what motivated the statement.
The timing remains mysterious. Her husband, President Donald Trump, and his administration appeared to have finally moved beyond more than a year of Epstein-related controversy, particularly as the Iran conflict had dominated Washington’s attention.
The former first lady’s public comments will likely thrust the matter back into the political spotlight, even though the president has encouraged both the public and press to leave the case behind.
Mrs. Trump appeared to reference a short 2002 email with sender and receiver information redacted. The message opens with “Dear G!” and closes with “Love, Melania,” praising the recipient regarding a magazine piece about “JE.”
“I know you are very busy flying all over the world,” the email states. “How was Palm Beach? I cannot wait to go down. Give me a call when you are back in NY.”
This correspondence was sent during the same month New York Magazine published a profile of Epstein in which Trump described him as a “terrific guy.”
During Thursday’s statement, Mrs. Trump denied being friends with either Epstein or his associate and former romantic partner Ghislaine Maxwell, though she acknowledged moving in similar social circles throughout New York and Florida. She characterized an email response she sent to Maxwell as “casual correspondence” without providing additional details.
“My polite reply to her email doesn’t amount to anything more than a trivial note,” she stated.
Released documents also included an image from Epstein’s residence displaying multiple photographs arranged on furniture and stored in drawers. Within that image, tucked inside a drawer among other pictures, was a photo showing Donald Trump with Epstein, Melania Trump, and Maxwell.
Mrs. Trump highlighted Thursday that multiple people and organizations have issued apologies for their “lies about me.” Among her examples, the most recent occurred in October when book publisher HarperCollins UK apologized to the former first lady and removed sections from a publication that suggested Epstein facilitated her introduction to Donald Trump.
MS NOW journalist Jacqueline Alemany reported on social media Thursday that President Trump told her he was unaware of his wife’s planned statement regarding Epstein.
The White House press office has not responded to inquiries for comment.
Nick Clemens, speaking for Mrs. Trump, confirmed the West Wing knew in advance about her planned statement. However, he directed questions about whether officials knew the specific content of her remarks to the West Wing.
In recent weeks, President Trump’s public schedule has focused primarily on the Iran conflict.
The former first lady’s statement returned Epstein to public attention months following federal authorities’ release of millions of documents under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, legislation passed after sustained public and political pressure. The law mandates government disclosure of files related to the late financier and Maxwell.
Congressional members initially criticized the Justice Department for limited document releases, but officials explained additional time was necessary to examine newly discovered materials and protect sensitive victim information.
While several prominent European figures have faced consequences for Epstein associations, comparable prosecutions have not occurred in the United States.
Most significantly, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor — formerly Britain’s Prince Andrew — was arrested in February following the latest document release. Mountbatten-Windsor’s name appeared repeatedly in the files, showing a close connection with Epstein.
However, his arrest was unrelated to sexual misconduct. Instead, he faces charges for allegedly sharing confidential trade information with Epstein.
Mrs. Trump urged Congress to conduct public hearings focused on Epstein’s crime survivors, providing opportunities to testify before lawmakers and have their accounts officially recorded.
“Each and every woman should have her day to tell her story in public if she wishes,” she said. “Then, and only then, we will have the truth.”
