Epstein survivors slam Melania for ‘shifting burden’ as she calls for public hearing of victims

WASHINGTON, DC: Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein have pushed back against remarks by First Lady Melania Trump, accusing her of “shifting the burden” onto victims amid renewed scrutiny around the case.

The response came after Melania publicly denied any association with Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell and called for greater transparency, including potential congressional hearings for survivors. "I call on Congress to provide the women who have been victimized by Epstein with a public hearing specifically centered around the survivors," the first lady said. 

The survivors’ statement criticized the approach, arguing that responsibility lies with authorities and officials rather than those who have already come forward.

Survivors reject Melania remarks

In a joint statement, survivors said they have already taken significant risks to share their experiences and should not be asked to do more under current conditions.

"Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein have already shown extraordinary courage by coming forward, filing reports, and giving testimony. Asking more of them now is a deflection of responsibility, not justice. First Lady Melania Trump is now shifting the burden onto survivors under politicized conditions that protect those with power: the Department of Justice, law enforcement, prosecutors, and the Trump Administration, which has still not fully complied with the Epstein Files Transparency Act." 

They further added, "It also diverts attention from Pam Bondi, who must answer for withheld files and the exposure of survivors' identities. Those failures continue to put lives at risk while shielding enablers. Survivors have done their part. Now it's time for those in power to do theirs."

The statement was signed by multiple survivors, including Maria Farmer and Annie Farmer, among others.

Melania denies Epstein links

Melania said on Thursday, April 9 that she “never had a relationship” with Epstein or Maxwell, dismissing allegations as false.

She described circulating claims as “fake images and statements,” accusing unnamed individuals of spreading “false smears” for political or financial motives.

The first lady also acknowledged a past email exchange with Maxwell, calling it “casual correspondence,” and said her only known encounter with Epstein was at a public event in 2000. She added that she had no knowledge of his criminal activities at the time.

Calls for hearings grow

Melania urged lawmakers to hold public hearings where survivors could testify under oath, saying, “Each and every woman should have her day to tell her story in public, if she wishes.” The First lady went on to say, "Give these victims their opportunity to testify under oath in front of Congress with the power of sworn testimony. Each and every woman should have her day to tell her story in public, if she wishes, and then her testimony should be permanently entered into the congressional record. Then and only then, we will have the truth. Thank you."

Her comments came amid a broader dispute involving the Department of Justice and Congress over access to records tied to the Epstein investigation, including issues surrounding former Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Lawmakers from both parties have echoed calls for transparency, as debates continue over accountability, access to records and the protection of survivors’ identities.