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Melania Trump's Epstein Statement
Melania Trump delivered a rare public statement denying any relationship with Jeffrey Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell.
“I am not Epstein's victim. Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump”
She said, "I am not Epstein's victim. Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump."
She referred to a 2002 email exchange with Maxwell as casual correspondence and a trivial note.
The statement came as the Justice Department was under pressure for its handling of Epstein files.
The first lady's call for hearings was met with mixed reactions, including from survivors who accused her of shifting the burden onto victims.
Congressional Response
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer committed to holding hearings with Epstein victims.
The committee had deposed multiple high-profile individuals including former President Clinton and Hillary Clinton.
The top Democrat, Robert Garcia, said Democrats agreed with the first lady's call for a public hearing.
A group of more than a dozen survivors pushed back, saying asking more of them now is a deflection of responsibility, not justice.
The Justice Department's refusal to comply with Bondi's subpoena added to the pressure.
Survivors' Criticism
More than a dozen Epstein survivors issued a joint statement accusing Melania Trump of shifting the burden onto survivors.
“Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein have already shown extraordinary courage by coming forward, filing reports, and giving testimony”
They noted that the Trump administration had still not fully complied with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
Marina Lacerda questioned the motive behind the first lady's remarks.
The statement said Melania Trump's speech diverts attention from Pam Bondi.
The first lady's call for public hearings came despite many survivors' preference for private testimony.
Epstein Connections and Timing
Melania Trump acknowledged that she and Donald Trump were invited to the same parties Epstein attended.
The timing of her statement was unexpected.
President Trump said he did not know his wife was going to deliver the statement.
Some White House officials were surprised by the timing.
The statement came a day after the DOJ informed the House Oversight Committee that Bondi would not appear.