Melania Trump Denies Ties to Epstein, But Reports Suggest Otherwise

First Lady's White House statement contradicts recent revelations about her relationship with convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:35pm

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A solitary figure sits alone in a dimly lit room, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, evoking a sense of isolation and unease.The First Lady's unexpected statement on her ties to Jeffrey Epstein raises more questions than answers, casting a somber shadow over the White House.NYC Today

In a surprise White House statement, First Lady Melania Trump denied any links to convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, claiming her name was never mentioned in connection to his crimes. However, recent reports suggest there is more to the story, including an email that referenced Melania first meeting her husband Donald Trump through Epstein, as well as Epstein's own claims about the first time Trump slept with his wife.

Why it matters

Melania Trump's ties to Epstein have been a source of controversy, with questions about the extent of her relationship with the disgraced financier. This latest statement from the First Lady appears to contradict evidence that has emerged, raising further questions about her involvement and the White House's transparency on the issue.

The details

In her statement, Melania Trump claimed she had never been on Epstein's private plane, known as the 'Lolita Express.' However, a 2016 email to Epstein from a redacted sender mentioned that Melania first met her future husband Donald Trump through Epstein. Additionally, Epstein himself allegedly told author Michael Wolff that the first time Trump slept with Melania was on Epstein's plane. Melania also denied being a witness or named in any of Epstein's court documents, but a 2002 email shows Melania contacting Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell and referring to her as 'sweet pea.'

  • In 2002, Melania Trump sent an email to Ghislaine Maxwell referring to her as 'sweet pea'.
  • In 2016, an email to Jeffrey Epstein mentioned that Melania first met Donald Trump through Epstein.
  • In August 2017, Epstein spoke extensively with author Michael Wolff about his claim that the first time Trump slept with Melania was on Epstein's plane.
  • Melania Trump delivered an unexpected White House statement on the issue on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

The players

Melania Trump

The First Lady of the United States, who has faced scrutiny over her ties to convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted sex trafficker who died by suicide in 2019 while in jail. Epstein claimed the first time Donald Trump slept with Melania was on his private plane.

Michael Wolff

An author who is currently in a lawsuit with Melania Trump, and who reported on Epstein's claims about Melania and Donald Trump.

Ghislaine Maxwell

An associate of Jeffrey Epstein who Melania Trump referred to as 'sweet pea' in a 2002 email.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States and Melania Trump's husband, who Epstein claimed first met Melania through him.

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What they’re saying

“'Be cautious about what you believe. These images and stories are completely false. I am not a witness or a named witness in connection with any of Epstein's crimes. My name has never appeared in court documents, [unintelligible] victim's statements, or FBI interviews surrounding the Epstein matter.'”

— Melania Trump, First Lady

“'Basically, she has never left New York. She is trying to live the life of a superstar in New York,'”

— Michael Wolff, Author

What’s next

The lawsuit between Melania Trump and Michael Wolff is ongoing, with the First Lady attempting to move the case from New York to Florida. The extent of Melania's ties to Jeffrey Epstein and the accuracy of the claims made by both sides remain under scrutiny.

The takeaway

Melania Trump's denials of any links to Jeffrey Epstein appear to contradict evidence that has emerged, raising further questions about the First Lady's relationship with the convicted sex trafficker and the transparency of the White House on this issue. The ongoing legal battle with author Michael Wolff suggests there are still many unanswered questions surrounding Melania's past.