Melania Trump Demands Epstein Survivor Hearings in Rare Statement

First Lady denies any personal connection to Jeffrey Epstein and calls for Congress to allow victims to testify publicly

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:40pm

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A serene, cinematic painting depicting a solitary government building or political figure in warm, golden light and deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and unease surrounding the Epstein scandal.The First Lady's rare public statement on the Epstein scandal casts a somber, introspective light on the ongoing political fallout from the case.NYC Today

In a rare White House statement, First Lady Melania Trump categorically denied any personal connection to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. She dismissed 'baseless lies' linking her to Epstein and called on Congress to hold public hearings that would allow Epstein's victims to testify under oath and have their testimony permanently entered into the congressional record.

Why it matters

The First Lady's statement marks a significant departure from her typically low-profile approach, as she directly confronts the persistent rumors and speculation about her ties to Epstein. Her demand for congressional hearings also positions her, at least rhetorically, alongside lawmakers who have been pressing for greater transparency in the Epstein investigation.

The details

In her five-minute address, Melania Trump asserted that she and President Trump only 'crossed paths' with Epstein in 2000 at a New York party, and that she had 'never had any knowledge of Epstein's abuse of his victims.' She also denied knowing Epstein's associate Ghislaine Maxwell. The First Lady dismissed suggestions that Epstein had introduced her to Donald Trump as 'mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation.' She called on Congress to hold hearings that would allow Epstein's victims to testify publicly under oath, saying 'each and every woman should have her day to tell her story in public if she wishes.'

  • Melania Trump delivered the statement on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
  • The First Lady's statement comes as the 2026 election cycle approaches.

The players

Melania Trump

The First Lady of the United States, who delivered a rare White House statement denying any personal connection to Jeffrey Epstein and calling for congressional hearings to allow Epstein's victims to testify publicly.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who Melania Trump said she met by chance at a New York party in 1998, rather than being introduced by Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late sex offender whose criminal activities and connections to powerful figures have been the subject of ongoing scrutiny and investigation.

Ghislaine Maxwell

Epstein's associate who is currently serving a prison sentence, and whom Melania Trump denied knowing.

Robert Garcia

A senior Democratic member of the House Oversight Committee who responded to Melania Trump's statement by urging the committee chairman to schedule a hearing immediately.

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What they’re saying

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

— Melania Trump, First Lady of the United States

“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 of the United States

“I agree with her that the victims should be heard. I also agree with Thomas Massie. The DOJ needs to PROSECUTE!!!”

— Marjorie Taylor Greene, Former Congresswoman

What’s next

Representative Robert Garcia, a senior Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, said he agreed with Melania Trump's call for hearings and urged committee chairman James Comer to schedule a hearing 'immediately'.

The takeaway

Melania Trump's rare public statement on the Epstein scandal represents a significant departure from her typically low-profile approach, as she directly confronts the persistent rumors and speculation about her ties to Epstein. Her demand for congressional hearings also positions her, at least rhetorically, alongside lawmakers who have been pressing for greater transparency in the Epstein investigation, potentially setting up a clash with parts of the administration that have sought to downplay the controversy.