Fact Check: Did Melania Trump threaten to sue Thomas Massie for linking her to Epstein files?
WASHINGTON, DC: Amid the controversies surrounding the documents linked to a convicted offender, Jeffrey Epstein, a rumor began circulating online claiming that first lady Melania Trump had threatened to sue Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie if he mentioned her name linking it to Epstein files.
Let us analyze and fact-check the claim.
Claim: Melania Trump threatened to sue Thomas Massie
According to a viral claim that surfaced on Facebook, President Donald Trump’s wife says she'll sue Congressman Thomas Massie "to the Moon and back" if he ever mentions her name associated with the Epstein files again.
"I am no victim, and no call girl," Mrs Trump allegedly said, "I resent the Gentleman from Kentucky's assault on my character. He will pay all the money the left has given him to me in damages."
The post further claimed that Massie quickly recanted his statement, stating, "Everyone heard what he said."
The post has triggered comments against the first lady, with many slamming her for her alleged links to the disgraced financier, indicating that many believe the claim to be true.
Fact Check: The claim originated as a parody
The claim, however, is false, as there is no credible evidence that proves Melania threatened a lawsuit against the Republican representative.
A search on Google for the claim yielded no credible reports by prominent news media outlets that support the claim, which would not go unreported if true. The search revealed social media posts on Facebook and X that amplified the claim.
Additionally, the post was accompanied by a picture of Massie and the first lady, and a closer look at it reveals a small overlay text on the bottom left corner stating, ‘Nothing on this page is real.’ Hence, the claim was intended as a parody, made for the sake of engagement.
Thomas Massie's Epstein push drags Melania Trump into spotlight
In May this year, Massie dragged Melania Trump into the spotlight as he vowed to publicly reveal the names of alleged Epstein associates before his congressional career comes to an end.
Massie emerged as one of the leading voices demanding the release of the Epstein files, a move that reportedly unleashed a wave of fury and public attacks from Trump.
Meanwhile, Melania has also called for further investigation into the events surrounding Epstein after vehemently denying ties to the late offender.
“I have never been friends with Jeffrey Epstein,” she told reporters in March. She also denied having any friendly relationship with Epstein’s associate, Ghislaine Maxwell.
