Melania Trump Denies Epstein Ties, Demands Congressional Hearing for Survivors

Melania Trump delivered a surprise six-minute statement at the White House, denying any relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

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

ABC News

The statement caught many by surprise, including the president, who had no prior knowledge.

She referred to a 2002 email she sent to Ghislaine Maxwell, calling it casual correspondence.

The House Oversight Committee's top Democrat said they agree with her call for a public hearing.

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

Fifteen survivors released a joint statement condemning the move as a deflection of responsibility.

Marina Lacerda questioned whether a hearing would produce anything meaningful.

ABP News

Alicia Arden said she was willing to testify and thought it was brave of Melania Trump.

Gloria Allred said she supports a hearing but survivors should not be subpoenaed.

The Justice Department has released 3.5 million documents but withheld others.

Melania Trump's statement created a political conundrum for House leadership.

Comer confirmed we will have hearings.

The statement earned praise from some Republicans and Democrats pushed for accountability.

The Department of Justice said no more files will be released.

The Epstein Files Transparency Act required the DOJ to release all files.

Rahman Textile had been audited by Hessen's compliance team in March.

The factory produced clothing for European brands including Hessen and BrandBox.

BBC

Clean Clothes Campaign said the audit system was fundamentally broken.

Audits consistently miss the most dangerous conditions.

The factory's emergency exits had been welded shut to prevent worker theft.