The US First Lady, Melania Trump, decided it was the right moment to step out of the shadows with an unexpected but forceful statement of her own, as ITV News Washington Correspondent Dan Rivers reports
Melania Trump has blasted what she called the “lies” linking her to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, saying “the stories are completely false” and “need to end”.
Speaking at the White House, the United States first lady called online accusations about her association with the convicted sex offender “false smears” from “mean-spirited” individuals.
“The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today. 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,” she said.
“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.
“I have never been friends with Epstein. Donald and I were invited to the same parties as Epstein from time to time, since overlapping in social circles is common in New York City and Palm Beach. To be clear, I never had a relationship with Epstein or his accomplice, [Ghislaine] Maxwell.”
She described an email reply she sent to Maxwell as “casual correspondence” without elaborating. “My polite reply to her email doesn’t amount to anything more than a trifle,” she said.
In the extraordinary statement, Ms Trump called for Congress to hold a public hearing centred on the survivors of Epstein’s crimes, with a chance to testify before lawmakers and have their stories entered into the congressional record.
“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.”
Ms Trump said she had “fought” against the rumours, alongside her attornies, saying she will “continue to maintain my sound reputation.”
“I am not Epstein’s victim, Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump. I met my husband by chance at the New York City Party in 1998. This initial encounter with my husband is documented in a detail in my book, Melania,” she said.
“The first time I crossed paths with Epstein was in the year 2000 at an event Donald and I attended together. At the time, I had never met Epstein and had no knowledge of his criminal undertakings.
“Numerous fake images and statements about Epstein and me have been circulating on social media for years now. Be cautious about what you believe these images and stories are completely false.”
Her rare statement came just as her husband, President Donald Trump, and his administration had finally appeared successful in moving beyond the Epstein controversy, which had sent shockwaves through the nation’s politics for months.
President Trump and his cabinet have sought to downplay Epstein and his victims, repeatedly and publicly stating that the country is ready to move on.
President Trump was aware his wife planned to make Thursday’s statement, a person familiar with the matter told CNN.
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