Melania Trump Denies Epstein Ties, Calls for Congressional Hearings

Melania Trump delivered a surprise White House statement distancing herself from Jeffrey Epstein.

“Melania Trump denied ties to Jeffrey Epstein”

AP News

The White House announced the statement less than 24 hours in advance without specifying the topic.

AP News

She said, 'The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today.'

She denied ever having a relationship with Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell.

Epstein did not introduce her to Donald Trump, a claim backed by Paolo Zampolli.

The president said he knew she wanted to speak but did not know what she would say.

A group of 15 survivors accused the first lady of shifting the burden onto survivors.

Marina Lacerda questioned how this benefits the Trump family.

BBC

Survivor Alicia Arden praised the first lady for her bold move.

The House Oversight Committee said it would hold hearings with survivors.

The White House did not immediately respond to questions.

Melania Trump addressed a 2002 email exchange with Ghislaine Maxwell.

“Melania Trump denies any link to Epstein, says she was not his victim, and brings back a case that has long haunted her husband Donald Trump's second term into the spotlight”

Boursorama

The statement came months after millions of Epstein-related documents were released.

The timing was widely described as baffling amid the war in Iran.

PressTV noted a poll showed most Americans believed Trump started the war to cover up Epstein.

A photo of Melania with Epstein and Trump was found in Epstein's Manhattan mansion.

Melania Trump's statement underscored her remarkable independence.

Stephanie Grisham said she called BS on the president saying he knew nothing.

CNN

The first lady has operated largely apart from the rest of the White House.

The president defended her decision, saying she had a right to talk about it.

The episode left officials befuddled and bracing for the fallout.