Melania Trump Adviser Defends First Lady's Surprise Epstein Statement

Beckman says Melania wanted to 'set the record straight' on Epstein ties.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:06am

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty government office space with a single desk and chair, conveying a sense of solitude and political tension.The First Lady's surprise statement on her ties to the Epstein scandal has reignited public interest in the controversial case.Washington Today

A senior adviser to first lady Melania Trump, Marc Beckman, said she wanted to 'set the record straight' when she delivered a surprise statement at the White House denying any ties to late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Beckman elaborated on the first lady's decision to publicly address the Epstein controversy, saying 'If she can't stick up for herself, if she can't defend herself and make sure that her reputation is impeccable, who will do it?'

Why it matters

Melania Trump's statement on Epstein comes as the former president, Donald Trump, has tried to shift focus away from the Epstein controversy, repeatedly calling it a 'Democratic hoax.' The first lady's decision to speak out on the issue has raised questions about the White House's response to the Epstein files.

The details

In her statement, Melania Trump said she never had any knowledge of Epstein's crimes and that she had no relationship with Epstein or his co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell. She also called for public hearings into the Epstein controversy and to allow survivors to testify before Congress. Beckman said the first lady wanted to 'debunk all of the lies surrounding her and Epstein' that have circulated for years.

  • Melania Trump delivered her statement at the White House on April 9, 2026.
  • Beckman appeared on 'Fox & Friends' on April 10, 2026 to discuss the first lady's decision.

The players

Melania Trump

The first lady of the United States.

Marc Beckman

A senior adviser to first lady Melania Trump.

Jeffrey Epstein

A late convicted sex offender.

Ghislaine Maxwell

Epstein's co-conspirator who was convicted of sex trafficking.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States.

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What they’re saying

“If she can't stick up for herself, if she can't defend herself and make sure that her reputation is impeccable, who will do it? Nobody's done it to date.”

— Marc Beckman, Senior Adviser to Melania Trump

“The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today.”

— Melania Trump

What’s next

The White House has not responded to a request for comment on whether President Trump agrees with the first lady that Epstein's victims should testify before Congress.

The takeaway

Melania Trump's surprise statement on the Epstein controversy has raised questions about the White House's response to the issue, as the former president has tried to shift focus away from it. The first lady's decision to speak out and call for public hearings suggests she is taking a more active role in defending her reputation.