Trump Envoy Zampolli Denies Linking Melania to Epstein

Zampolli says he introduced Melania to Trump, not Epstein, as Melania denounces 'lies' about her connection to the disgraced financier.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:06pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty modeling agency office space, with warm sunlight streaming in through the windows and deep shadows cast across the room, evoking a sense of nostalgia and the intersection of fashion, wealth, and Manhattan nightlife.The elite social ecosystem that connected Melania Trump, Donald Trump, and Jeffrey Epstein is explored through the lens of a modeling agent's role as a power broker.NYC Today

Paolo Zampolli, a special envoy for President Trump, has denied any connection between Melania Trump and the late Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender. Zampolli claims he was the one who introduced Melania to Donald Trump in the late 1990s, not Epstein. Melania has also publicly denounced 'lies' linking her to Epstein. However, Zampolli's name has appeared in Epstein-related documents, raising questions about his own ties to the disgraced financier.

Why it matters

This story touches on the ongoing scrutiny of Melania Trump's connections and the Trump administration's ties to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Zampolli's role as a Trump envoy and his denials of any Epstein link add another layer to the complex web of relationships surrounding the former first family.

The details

According to the report, in the late 1990s Zampolli, an Italian modeling agent, discovered Slovenian model Melania Knauss, recruited her to New York, and introduced her to Donald Trump at a New York Fashion Week party. Zampolli has now denied any connection between Melania and Epstein, saying 'I said: 'Melania meet Donald, Donald meet Melania,' and then I left the table.' However, Zampolli's name has appeared in Epstein-related documents, including an FBI interview with an alleged Epstein victim who was a model at Zampolli's agency. Zampolli has also been linked to Epstein's associate Ghislaine Maxwell through a charity they were both involved with.

  • In the late 1990s, Zampolli introduced Melania Knauss to Donald Trump at a New York Fashion Week party.
  • In the early 2000s, Zampolli and Epstein discussed buying a modeling agency together.
  • In the 2000s, Zampolli was named a partner in the now-defunct ocean charity founded by Ghislaine Maxwell, TerraMar Project.

The players

Paolo Zampolli

An Italian modeling agent who discovered Melania Knauss, recruited her to New York, and introduced her to Donald Trump in the late 1990s. Zampolli now serves as a special envoy for the Trump administration and is a member of the Kennedy Center's Board of Trustees.

Melania Trump

The former First Lady of the United States, who has publicly denounced 'lies' linking her to Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late convicted sex offender whose connections to the Trump family and administration have been the subject of ongoing scrutiny.

Ghislaine Maxwell

Epstein's associate who founded the now-defunct ocean charity TerraMar Project, which Zampolli was involved with.

Amanda Ungaro

A Brazilian model who had a long relationship with Zampolli and has emerged as an unpredictable figure in the saga, making online posts threatening to 'expose everything' about Melania Trump.

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What they’re saying

“'Even without an attorney, I'm volunteering to go to Congress to testify about this, because we have seen enough nonsense.'”

— Paolo Zampolli, Trump's Special Envoy

“'For me, Jeffrey Epstein was a financial partner of Victoria's Secret. I had to deal with him.'”

— Paolo Zampolli, Trump's Special Envoy

What’s next

Zampolli has offered to testify before Congress about his relationship with Melania Trump and his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, as the scrutiny over these connections continues.

The takeaway

This story highlights the ongoing efforts to uncover the full extent of the Trump administration's connections to Jeffrey Epstein and the individuals, like Zampolli, who may have played a role in facilitating those relationships. The denials and accusations from various parties involved add to the complexity of the situation.