First Lady Melania Trump Calls for Congressional Hearings on Epstein Allegations
During a White House appearance, First Lady Melania Trump addressed rumors connecting her to Jeffrey Epstein, insisting that such claims “must cease immediately.” Her remarks came as a surprise, with no prior notice from her office about the topic. The White House also did not highlight the subject in its daily schedule before her comments were delivered.
Trump emphasized she had no involvement with Epstein, stating she only briefly “crossed paths” with him in 2000. “I have never had any knowledge of Epstein abusing his victims,” she said. “I was never involved in any capacity. I was not a participant.” She also dismissed claims that Epstein introduced her to her husband, calling them “mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation.”
The first lady urged lawmakers to grant survivors of Epstein’s alleged sex trafficking “the opportunity to testify under oath in front of Congress.” “Each and every woman should have her day to tell her story in public if she wishes,” she added. “Then, and only then, we will have the truth.” A 2002 email exchange between her and Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s jailed associate, was referenced as “casual correspondence” and a “polite reply.”
“It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them on the younger side,”
The email, addressed to “G” (likely Ghislaine Maxwell), praised a photograph of “JE” from New York Magazine and expressed anticipation for a trip to Palm Beach. The magazine article included quotes from then-President Donald Trump, who described Epstein as a “terrific guy” and noted his enjoyment of “social life.”
Soon after her remarks, California Democrat Robert Garcia, a leading member of the House Oversight Committee, endorsed Trump’s request. “We agree with Melania Trump’s call for a public hearing,” he stated. “We encourage Chairman Comer to respond to the First Lady’s request and schedule a public hearing immediately,” Garcia said, referencing House Oversight Committee chair James Comer.
Trump’s statement is expected to fuel renewed discussions about the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein case and the release of its files. While Donald Trump acknowledged knowing Epstein, he later claimed to have removed him from Mar-a-Lago for being a “creep.” Despite his frequent mentions in the files, there is no evidence of misconduct attributed to him.
