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Melania Trump's Epstein Statement
Melania Trump delivered a surprise statement denying any ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
“Melania Trump adviser speaks on what led to her surprise Epstein statement "She just wanted to set the record straight," Marc Beckman told "Fox & Friends”
She called for Congress to hold public hearings for Epstein survivors.
She denied that Epstein introduced her to Donald Trump.
The president said he did not know she was going to make the statement.
A group of 13 survivors accused Melania of shifting the burden onto survivors.
Survivor Marina Lacerda said it sounds like you're just trying to shift attention.
Survivor Pushback and Congressional Response
The survivors named the DOJ, law enforcement, prosecutors, and the Trump administration as entities that have not fully complied with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
They directed criticism at Attorney General Pam Bondi.
House Oversight Chairman James Comer committed to hold more hearings.
The Justice Department argued that Bondi is not in the administration.
The survivors stated that failures continue to put lives at risk while shielding enablers.
Zampolli's Role and Fashion World Links
Paolo Zampolli introduced Melania to Trump in 1998.
“United States First Lady Melania Trump has denied any connection to disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in a rare speech delivered from the White House”
He described his relationship with Epstein as one of necessity.
He now serves as Trump’s special envoy for global partnerships.
The renewed scrutiny on Zampolli came as Melania moved to denounce lies linking her to Epstein.
Melania's Email to Maxwell and Public Perception
Melania addressed a 2002 email she sent to Ghislaine Maxwell, calling it casual correspondence.
The email was part of the trove of documents released by the DOJ.
The first lady's comments pushed the story back into the political spotlight.
The president had urged the public and media to move on from the case.
