Melania Trump Denies Ties to Epstein, Calls for Public Hearings

First Lady Pushes Back Against 'False and Damaging' Claims Linking Her to Convicted Sex Offender

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:54am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dimly lit, shadowy government office with a single figure seated at a desk, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight, conceptually representing the political tensions surrounding the Epstein case.The first lady's rare public statement on the Epstein controversy has reignited debate over transparency and accountability in the case.NYC Today

In a rare public statement, First Lady Melania Trump firmly denied ever having a relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein or his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. She condemned what she described as politically motivated smears designed to harm her image and urged Congress to hold public hearings that would allow Epstein survivors to testify under oath.

Why it matters

The first lady's decision to address the issue publicly marks a notable departure from her usual restraint, underscoring the sensitivity and urgency of the matter. Her remarks have reignited debate around the Epstein case and broader questions of transparency within the Justice Department.

The details

Melania Trump acknowledged having minimal, incidental contact with individuals connected to Epstein before being aware of his criminal conduct. She said the first time she encountered Epstein was in 2000 at a social event she attended with Donald Trump, and she referenced a previously disclosed email exchange with Maxwell that she characterized as casual correspondence with no deeper significance. The first lady also made clear that Epstein played no role in introducing her to her husband and stated unequivocally that she was not among Epstein's victims.

  • Melania Trump made the statement on Thursday, April 10, 2026.
  • The first lady's email exchange with Ghislaine Maxwell was dated October 2002.

The players

Melania Trump

The First Lady of the United States, who is denying any ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

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

Ghislaine Maxwell

An associate of Jeffrey Epstein who was convicted of sex trafficking and other charges related to Epstein's crimes.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who Melania Trump attended a social event with in 2000 where she first encountered Epstein.

Marc Beckman

A senior adviser to Melania Trump who said the first lady chose to respond publicly because she felt the situation had reached a breaking point.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Enough Is Enough”

— Melania Trump, First Lady

“Fabricated images and misleading statements linking her to Epstein have spread widely on social media.”

— Melania Trump, First Lady

“Such claims must come to an end and [she] urged both the public and the media to shift their attention to her work and contributions as first lady.”

— Melania Trump, First Lady

“Survivors have already shown immense courage by coming forward through legal channels and public testimony. Calling for additional hearings places an unnecessary burden on survivors while shifting attention away from institutions and officials responsible for ensuring accountability.”

— Epstein Survivors and Representatives

“There was no immediate publication or project on my part that would have prompted such a response.”

— Michael Wolff, Author

What’s next

The House Oversight Committee has expressed support for Melania Trump's proposal to hold public hearings, and lawmakers are working to organize the proceedings. However, some Epstein survivors have pushed back, arguing that the focus should remain on full transparency from authorities and compliance with existing laws related to the release of Epstein-related records.

The takeaway

Melania Trump's rare public intervention on the Epstein issue underscores the ongoing sensitivity and political implications of the case. Her call for congressional hearings has reignited debate, but survivors remain divided on the merits of additional testimony, highlighting the complex and contentious nature of the matter.