Melania Trump Denies Friendship or Involvement with Jeffrey Epstein

First Lady calls for public hearings for Epstein's victims

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:50am

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A cinematic painting depicting a solitary government building or political figure in warm, dramatic lighting, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the weight of political issues.The First Lady's rare public address aims to distance the White House from the Epstein scandal and advocate for his victims to have their voices heard.Palm Beach Today

In a rare address, First Lady Melania Trump denied having any friendship or relationship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. She stated that she and President Trump were occasionally invited to the same parties as Epstein due to overlapping social circles in New York and Palm Beach, but that she had never been friends with him. Melania also called on Congress to provide a public hearing specifically for Epstein's victims to testify.

Why it matters

The release of Epstein's files has raised questions about the involvement of various prominent individuals, leading to resignations and arrests. Melania Trump's statement aims to distance herself and the President from any association with Epstein, while also advocating for the victims to have a public platform to share their stories.

The details

In her statement, Melania Trump denied a series of accusations and theories related to her, her relationship with President Trump, and Epstein's accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. She stated that she had never been friends with Epstein, and that she and the President were simply invited to the same parties as him due to overlapping social circles in New York City and Palm Beach. Melania also clarified that Epstein did not introduce her to Donald Trump, and that she met her husband by chance at a New York City party in 1988. The First Lady referred to numerous 'fake images and statements' about her that have been circulating on social media, and called on Congress to provide a public hearing specifically for Epstein's victims to testify.

  • Melania Trump made the statement on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
  • Epstein died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on allegations of sex trafficking and sex abuse.

The players

Melania Trump

The First Lady of the United States, who issued a rare public statement denying any friendship or involvement with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

A deceased sex predator who was accused of sex trafficking and sex abuse before his death in jail in 2019.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who had a friendship with Jeffrey Epstein that spanned roughly two decades before they had a falling out in the 2000s over a real estate deal.

Ghislaine Maxwell

An accomplice of Jeffrey Epstein who is currently in prison after being convicted of sex trafficking and other crimes related to her work for the financier.

James Carville

A political pundit whose statements about Melania Trump were referenced in her statement.

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What they’re saying

“The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today. I have never been friends with Epstein.”

— Melania Trump, First Lady of the United States

“Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump. I met my husband by chance at the New York City party in 1988 ... The first time I crossed paths with Epstein was in the year 2000 at an event Donald and I attended together.”

— Melania Trump, First Lady of the United States

“Numerous fake images and statements about me have been circulating on social media for years now. Be cautious about what you believe. These images and stories are completely false.”

— Melania Trump, First Lady of the United States

“I call on Congress to provide the women who have been victimized by Epstein with a public hearing specifically centered around the survivors. Each and every woman should have the opportunity to testify publicly ... then and only then will we have the truth.”

— Melania Trump, First Lady of the United States

What’s next

Melania Trump's call for a public hearing for Epstein's victims could lead to Congressional action to provide a platform for the survivors to share their stories.

The takeaway

Melania Trump's statement aims to distance herself and the President from any association with Jeffrey Epstein, while also advocating for the victims to have a public platform to share their experiences. This highlights the ongoing efforts to uncover the full truth about Epstein's crimes and the involvement of prominent individuals.