First Lady Melania Trump has denied any connection to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, telling reporters at the White House that allegations linking them “need to end today.”
In an unexpected appearance on Thursday, she also called for congressional hearings to allow survivors of Epstein’s sex trafficking network to testify publicly under oath.
Mrs Trump rejected online claims that Epstein introduced her to former President Donald Trump, describing them as “mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation.”
The reason behind her statement was not immediately clear. Her office had not previously indicated she would address the issue, and the White House schedule did not mention Epstein ahead of her remarks.
She said she had only briefly “crossed paths” with Epstein in 2000 and was never a victim of his crimes.
“I have never had any knowledge of Epstein abuse of his victims,” she said. “I was never involved in any capacity. I was not a participant.”
The first lady also denied knowing Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s jailed associate.
Addressing a 2002 email included in previously released Epstein-related documents, Mrs Trump described it as “casual correspondence” and a “polite reply.”
The message, reportedly sent to someone identified as “G”, referenced a magazine feature involving Epstein and expressed interest in visiting Palm Beach.
A New York Magazine article cited in the exchange included past comments from Mr Trump describing Epstein as a “terrific guy” who was “a lot of fun to be with,” noting his active social life.
Mrs Trump urged lawmakers to allow survivors to testify before Congress.
“Give these victims their opportunity to testify under oath in front of Congress with the power of sworn testimony,” she said.
“Then, and only then, we will have the truth.”
She acknowledged that several high-profile business figures had resigned in recent months following revelations about ties to Epstein, but stressed that such associations do not automatically imply guilt.
“Of course, this doesn’t amount to guilt, but we still must work openly and transparently to uncover the truth,” she said.
She did not take questions following her remarks.
In a statement issued shortly afterwards, California Representative Robert Garcia, a senior Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, backed her call for hearings and urged committee chairman James Comer to act immediately.
However, relatives of Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre, along with other survivors, criticised the proposal. In a statement, they said victims had already demonstrated “extraordinary courage” by coming forward.
“Asking more of them now is a deflection of responsibility, not justice,” they said, accusing the first lady of shielding powerful individuals, including members of the current administration.
“Survivors have done their part,” the statement added. “Now it’s time for those in power to do theirs.”
The issue has previously sparked legal disputes involving Mrs Trump. In October 2025, HarperCollins UK withdrew passages from a book containing “unverified” claims about how she met her husband. The Daily Beast also retracted an article it later said failed to meet editorial standards.
She is also engaged in a legal dispute with author Michael Wolff over claims in his book “Fire and Fury” that she was introduced to Mr Trump through a modelling agent linked to Epstein. Mr Wolff has filed a counterclaim after she threatened legal action.
“My attorneys and I have fought these unfounded and baseless lies with success, and will continue to maintain my sound reputation without hesitation,” she said.
Thursday’s appearance marked one of Mrs Trump’s rare public statements since returning to the White House, reinforcing her reputation as both a low-profile and influential first lady.
Her remarks are likely to reignite debate over the US Department of Justice’s handling of the Epstein investigation and the release of related files.
While Mr Trump has acknowledged knowing Epstein in the past, he has said he later barred him from his Mar-a-Lago club, describing him as a “creep.” The former president is mentioned in Epstein-related documents, though there has been no indication of wrongdoing.
