Melania Trump Denies Epstein Ties in Surprise Statement

First Lady calls claims linking her to convicted sex offender 'lies' and urges Congress to hear from Epstein's victims

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:49pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty government building or podium, with warm light streaming in through the windows and deep shadows obscuring the details, conveying a sense of political tension and unease.Melania Trump's surprise statement on her ties to Jeffrey Epstein reflects the ongoing political fallout from the disgraced financier's crimes.Palm Beach Today

In a rare on-camera statement at the White House, First Lady Melania Trump forcefully denied any connection to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, calling claims linking her to Epstein 'lies' and urging Congress to hold a public hearing for Epstein's victims to testify under oath.

Why it matters

The Epstein scandal has long overshadowed the Trump presidency, and Melania Trump's surprise intervention suggests the First Family is seeking to put the issue to rest ahead of the 2028 election cycle. Her statement also highlights the ongoing trauma faced by Epstein's victims and the need for their voices to be heard.

The details

Melania Trump said she had never met Epstein, been on his plane, or visited his private island, and was not a 'participant' or 'victim' in his sex trafficking crimes. She said 'fake images and statements' about her and Epstein had been circulating for years on social media, and urged the public to be 'cautious about what you believe'.

  • Melania Trump made the surprise statement on Thursday, April 12, 2026.
  • Epstein died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

The players

Melania Trump

The First Lady of the United States, who is married to former President Donald Trump. She is a former model from Slovenia.

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted sex offender who died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges involving minors.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who has also been photographed with Jeffrey Epstein but has denied any connection to his crimes.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Melania Trump, First Lady of the United States

“I am not Epstein's victim. Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump.”

— Melania Trump, First Lady of the United States

What’s next

Melania Trump urged Congress to hold a public hearing for survivors of Epstein's abuse to 'give these victims their opportunity to testify under oath.'

The takeaway

Melania Trump's forceful denial of any connection to Jeffrey Epstein underscores the ongoing political fallout from the Epstein scandal and the need for transparency and accountability around the abuse of minors. Her call for a Congressional hearing reflects the First Family's efforts to put this issue to rest ahead of the 2028 election cycle.