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Melania Trump has denied any involvement with Jeffrey Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell, stating she was not Epstein's victim and was not introduced to Trump by Epstein. She claims to have known Maxwell casually through social circles in New York and Palm Beach. The statement comes as a surprise, as Melania rarely speaks publicly. It's unclear why she chose to speak now and whether it was a coordinated effort to deflect attention from Trump.

First Lady Melania Trump issued a rare public statement on April 9, 2026, denying any close ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein or his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. She emphasized that she was not a victim of Epstein and was not introduced to President Donald Trump by him, asserting that their paths crossed only briefly in 2000 at a social event according to her statement. The first lady also dismissed a 2002 email correspondence with Maxwell as "casual" and "trivial," despite the email being cited in recently released Justice Department documents as reported.

Melania Trump further denied traveling on Epstein's private jet or visiting his private island, and she clarified that she had no knowledge of his alleged criminal activities as stated. She also criticized what she described as "mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation," citing several instances where media outlets and individuals were compelled to retract false claims about her according to her account.

The statement, delivered without prior public indication, has raised questions about the timing and intent behind her remarks. While the White House did not confirm the content of the statement in advance, it is unclear whether the move was coordinated with the president or aimed at shifting focus from ongoing investigations involving Trump according to analysis.

Melania Trump concluded her remarks by calling on Congress to hold a public hearing for survivors of Epstein's crimes, urging that victims be given the opportunity to testify under oath as requested. The request has been echoed by some Democratic lawmakers, though it remains to be seen whether it will lead to further congressional action according to reports.