ToplineIn a rare public statement from the White House, First Lady Melania Trump disputed claims she had been either in a relationship with Jeffrey Epstein or was one of his victims—allegations that don’t appear to have been made by any legitimate media operation—in an appearance that seemed as curious as it was unclear why she chose to speak out now. First Lady Melania Trump delivers a statement in the Grand Foyer of the White House on April 9, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)Getty ImagesKey Facts“Numerous fake images and statements about Epstein and me have been percolating for years now,” she told reporters, denouncing “false smears . . . from mean-spirited and politically motivated individuals and entities looking to cause damage to my good name to gain financially and climb politically.”Denying she ever had any kind of relationship with Epstein or his co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell, she called on Congress to continue its investigations into Epstein and his accomplices.A former Epstein assistant told the FBI in 2019 that Epstein introduced the then Melania Knauss to Donald Trump before they married in 2005, according to a heavily redacted document published in the Epstein files released in January.Melania Trump denied on Thursday that Epstein introduced her to Trump, noting that she wrote in her memoir, “Melania,” that she met Trump at a Fashion Week party in 1998.The first lady acknowledged she exchanged emails with Maxwell, describing the messages as “casual correspondence,” a possible reference to an email included in the Epstein files and signed “Love, Melania” that compliments Maxwell on a photograph of her in a New York magazine article, asks her “how was Palm Beach?” and tells Maxwell to call when she’s back in New York. Melania Trump was also photographed with Epstein, Maxwell and Trump at Mar-A-Lago in February 2000, and is pictured in another image from the event with Epstein, then-Prince Andrew and longtime Epstein associate Gwendolyn Beck.Good afternoon. The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today. The individuals lying about me are devoid of ethical standards, humility and respect. I do not object to their ignorance, but rather, I reject their mean spirited attempts to defame my reputation. I have never been friends with Epstein. Donald and I were invited to the same parties as Epstein from time to time, since overlapping in social circles is common in New York City and Palm Beach. To be clear, I never had a relationship with Epstein or his accomplice, Maxwell. My email reply to Maxwell cannot be categorized as anything more than casual correspondence. My polite reply to her email doesn't amount to anything more than a tribal note, I am not Epstein's victim. Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump. I met my husband by chance at the New York City Party in 1998.This initial encounter with my husband is documented in detail in my book, “Melania.” The first time I crossed paths with Epstein was in the year 2000 at an event Donald and I attended together. At the time, I had never met Epstein and had no knowledge of his criminal undertakings. Numerous fake images and statements about Epstein and me have been circulating on social media for years now. Be cautious about what you believe. These images and stories are completely false. I'm not a witness or a name witness in connection with any of Epstein's crimes. My name has never appeared in court documents, the positions, victim statements or FBI in interviews surrounding the Epstein matter. I have never had any knowledge of Epstein's abuse of his victims. I was never involved in any capacity. I was not a participant, was never on Epstein's plane, and never visited his private island. I have never been legally accused or convinced[sic] of a crime in connection with Epstein’s sex trafficking, abuse of minors and other repulsive behavior. The false smears about me from mean spirited and politically motivated individuals and entities looking to cause damage to my good name to gain financially and climb politically must stop. My attorneys and I have fought these unfound and baseless lies with success and will continue to maintain my sound reputation without hesitation. To date, several individuals and companies have been legally obligated to publicly apologize and retract their lies about me, such as Daily Beast, James Carville and Harper Collins UK. Now is the time for Congress to act. Epstein was not alone. Several prominent male executives resigned from their powerful positions after this matter became widely politicized. Of course, this doesn't amount to guilt, but we still must work openly and transparently to uncover the truth. I call on Congress to provide the women who have been victimized by Epstein with a public hearing specifically centered around the survivors. Give these victims their opportunity to testify under oath in front of Congress with the power of sworn testimony 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. Then and only then, we will have the truth. Thank you. Key BackgroundMelania Trump has legally pursued various publications and individuals for linking her to Epstein. She threatened to sue writer Michael Wolff—who has a reputation of incredibility—for defamation for claiming she had closer ties to Epstein that previously understood, prompting Wolff to sue her in October last year under New York’s anti-SLAPP law, alleging she threatened his freedom of speech. Wolff made the comments in The Daily Beast podcast. Some stories alleging the first lady was connected to Epstein have been retracted after she threatened to sue them, including an episode of the “Politics War Room” podcast featuring James Carville, and portions of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s book. Further ReadingAuthor Michael Wolff sues Melania Trump after she threatens Epstein suit (Axios)Author Michael Wolff sues Melania Trump over Jeffrey Epstein threat (NBC News)Michael Wolff crowdfunds war chest to pursue Melania Trump (Semafor)