Epstein Survivor Criticizes Melania Trump's Remarks on Testifying

Danielle Bensky says the first lady's comments 'feel like the burden has been now placed on survivors'.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:40pm

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A quiet, cinematic painting of a solitary woman sitting alone on a bench in a dimly lit urban setting, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of isolation and melancholy.The first lady's remarks on Epstein survivors testifying before Congress have sparked renewed concerns about the administration's support for victims of abuse.Washington Today

Danielle Bensky, a survivor of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse, suggested that first lady Melania Trump was victim-blaming during her surprise address on Thursday. Bensky said Melania's call for Epstein survivors to testify before Congress 'feels like the burden has been now placed on survivors' instead of on proper investigations by the Department of Justice and FBI.

Why it matters

Bensky's comments highlight the ongoing challenges and trauma faced by Epstein's victims, as well as concerns that the current administration is not doing enough to support and protect survivors who come forward.

The details

In her address, Melania Trump called for a congressional hearing for the Epstein survivors and said each woman should have the opportunity to testify if she wishes. However, Bensky and over a dozen other Epstein survivors accused the first lady of 'shifting the burden onto survivors under politicized conditions that protect those with power'. Bensky said the administration is 'a master class on the art of deflection' and warned that survivor safety should be the priority, not putting them in front of Congress without proper precautions.

  • Melania Trump made her surprise address on Thursday, April 10, 2026.

The players

Danielle Bensky

A survivor of abuse by the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Melania Trump

The First Lady of the United States.

Todd Blanche

The acting Attorney General.

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What they’re saying

“I heard blame be placed on survivors in this. I think that it feels like the burden has been now placed on survivors to come forward and speak in front of Congress, when in reality, we've been asking for proper investigations and for trials to move through this the right way from the very beginning.”

— Danielle Bensky, Epstein Survivor

“Give these victims their opportunity to testify under oath in front of Congress with the power of sworn testimony. Each and every woman should have her day to tell her story in public, if she wishes, and then her testimony should be permanently entered into the congressional record.”

— Melania Trump, First Lady

“The extent that the Epstein files was a part of the past year of this Justice Department, it … should not be a part of anything going forward.”

— Todd Blanche, Acting Attorney General

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Epstein survivors to testify before Congress.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the ongoing trauma and challenges faced by Epstein's victims, as well as concerns that the current administration is not doing enough to support and protect survivors who come forward. It raises questions about the government's commitment to fully investigating Epstein's crimes and ensuring justice for his victims.