Melania Trump denies any connection to Jeffrey Epstein

First Lady says claims linking her to disgraced financier are 'lies' that need to end

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:36am

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A moody, cinematic painting of a dimly lit office space with a large window overlooking a city skyline at night, capturing a contemplative, solitary mood.Melania Trump's rare public statement aims to distance herself and her husband from the persistent political fallout of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.NYC Today

In a rare public address, First Lady Melania Trump denied ever having a relationship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein or his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. She said she had only a casual correspondence with Maxwell and was never friends with Epstein, despite being invited to some of the same social events as him and her husband Donald Trump over the years. Melania Trump called on Congress to provide a public hearing for Epstein's victims and said the 'lies' linking her to the convicted sex offender need to stop.

Why it matters

The case of Jeffrey Epstein and his connections to many prominent figures in politics, finance and business has become a persistent political problem for the Trump administration. Melania Trump's statement is likely an attempt to distance herself and her husband from the scandal and any potential fallout.

The details

In her statement, Melania Trump said she had 'never been friends with Epstein' and that he 'did not introduce' her to her husband Donald Trump. She said she only had a 'casual correspondence' with Epstein's associate Ghislaine Maxwell, and that her polite email reply to Maxwell about a magazine article 'doesn't amount to anything more than a trivial note.' Melania Trump also said she had 'no knowledge' of Epstein's criminal activities at the time she crossed paths with him in 2000 at an event she attended with her husband.

  • Melania Trump made the statement on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
  • Melania Trump said she first 'crossed paths' with Epstein in 2000 at an event she attended with her husband.

The players

Melania Trump

The First Lady of the United States and wife of former President Donald Trump.

Jeffrey Epstein

A disgraced financier and convicted sex offender.

Ghislaine Maxwell

An associate of Jeffrey Epstein.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States and Melania Trump's husband.

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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

“'First Lady Melania Trump spoke out now because enough is enough. The lies must stop.'”

— Marc Beckman, Senior Adviser to Melania Trump

What’s next

Melania Trump called on Congress to provide a public hearing centering on survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's crimes.

The takeaway

Melania Trump's statement is an attempt to distance herself and her husband from the persistent political problem caused by Jeffrey Epstein's connections to many prominent figures. She denied any personal relationship with Epstein or his associates, and said the 'lies' linking her to the disgraced financier need to stop.