Melania Trump Denies Ties To Jeffrey Epstein In Rare White House Statement

First Lady Melania Trump delivered a rare public statement categorically denying any relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

She called the accusations lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein that need to end today.

ABC News

Melania acknowledged overlapping social circles but rejected claims of close friendship or involvement.

She referred to a 2002 email exchange with Maxwell as casual correspondence and a polite reply.

The statement reportedly blindsided President Trump, who did not know about it ahead of time.

Melania's intervention pushed the issue back into the spotlight amid other crises.

Central to the controversy was a 2002 email Melania sent to Ghislaine Maxwell.

The email read: Dear G! How are you? Nice story about JE in NY mag. You look great on the picture.

ABC27

Maxwell replied, Sweet pea -- thanks for your message.

The email's tone seemed to imply a friendly relationship, contradicting Melania's assertion.

Melania insisted the email could not be categorized as anything more than casual correspondence.

Fifteen survivors issued a statement criticizing Melania's statement as a diversion.

They said they had already shown extraordinary courage by coming forward.

The Justice Department informed the House Oversight Committee that Bondi would not comply with a subpoena.

Rep. Robert Garcia called on the Republican chair to schedule a public hearing immediately.

Rep. Nancy Mace thanked the first lady and echoed the call for a hearing.

The Trump administration faced ongoing scrutiny over its handling of the Epstein files.

Several prominent male executives resigned after the Epstein matter became widely politicized.

Melania called on Congress to provide survivors with a public hearing specifically centered around them.

BBC

The statement came as the Trump administration was trying to move past the Epstein controversy.

Melania's intervention reignited debate over the president's ties to Epstein.

The episode underscored the persistent political risks the Epstein scandal posed.