‘I get her frustration’ Todd Blanche defends Melania over Epstein presser, urges evidence

Blanche urges anyone with credible evidence to come forward, saying authorities are ready to act
Todd Blanche expresses understanding of her frustration, backs Melania over the Epstein presser, and urges the release of evidence (Getty Images, AP Photo)
Todd Blanche expresses understanding of her frustration, backs Melania over the Epstein presser, and urges the release of evidence (Getty Images, AP Photo)

WASHINGTON, DC: Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche voiced support for First Lady Melania Trump following her recent remarks addressing her alleged links to Jeffrey Epstein, dismissing widespread claims as misleading and reiterating the Justice Department’s stance on accountability.

Speaking to Fox News on April 14, in response to questions about whether he had prior knowledge of her statement, Blanche made it clear that the First Lady acted independently, while emphasizing that her concerns reflect what officials have been saying for months.



Todd Blanche defends Melania’s stance

Blanche rejected speculation about coordination, stating that Melania Trump does not consult him before making public remarks.

However, he strongly backed the substance of her statement, saying, “What she said rings true to me.”

He pointed to what he described as persistent misinformation surrounding her alleged connections to Epstein.

Donald Trump, his wife Melania Trump, and the late financier Jeffrey Epstein and his longtime partner Ghislaine Maxwell (Getty Images)
Donald Trump, his wife Melania Trump, and the late financier Jeffrey Epstein and his longtime partner Ghislaine Maxwell (Getty Images)

“There have been tons of false narratives around her and her relationship or lack thereof with Epstein. And so I get her frustration and complaints, and I readily agree with it,” Blanche said.

Addressing Melania Trump’s appeal to Congress to encourage testimony, Blanche said her message is consistent with the Justice Department’s longstanding approach.

He reiterated that anyone with credible evidence should come forward, stressing that authorities are prepared to act regardless of who may be implicated.

“If there is a victim that has evidence against anybody, they should absolutely report it to the FBI, and we will take it seriously no matter what,” he said.

Blanche noted that this position aligns not only with the Department of Justice but also with statements previously made by President Donald Trump over time.

First lady Melania Trump arrives to speak with reporters Thursday, April 9, 2026, in the Grand Foyer of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
First lady Melania Trump arrives to speak with reporters Thursday, April 9, 2026, in the Grand Foyer of the White House in Washington (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Melania denies Epstein links, slams 'lies'

On Thursday, April 9, Melania Trump directly addressed what she described as widespread “false narratives” surrounding her alleged relationship or lack thereof with Jeffrey Epstein, making clear that she rejects the claims and the speculation fueling them. 

Her remarks reflected visible frustration over how the issue has been portrayed publicly.

“Donald and I occasionally attended the same events as Epstein, which isn’t unusual given overlapping social circles in New York City and Palm Beach. To be absolutely clear, I never had any relationship with Epstein or his associate, Maxwell. Any email exchange with Maxwell was purely casual, and my response was nothing more than a brief, polite acknowledgment, not something that should be mischaracterized”, Melania said.



Beyond rejecting the allegations, Melania also issued a call to action, urging Congress to step in and ensure that individuals with relevant knowledge are given a platform to testify. 

She emphasized that any victim or witness with credible evidence should come forward, reinforcing the idea that accountability must be rooted in verified information rather than rumor or assumption.

Her position closely mirrors the stance taken by the Department of Justice, which has consistently encouraged individuals with evidence to report it to authorities.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

President Trump cited the $1.7 billion cash transfer by the Obama administration and argued past leaders believed Iran could be influenced with money
24 minutes ago
Sen Thom Tillis questioned Jeanine Pirro's call for harsh penalties over Reflecting Pool vandalism, citing Trump's pardons of January 6 defendants
1 hour ago
The Reflecting Pool drew scrutiny after visitors reported peeling surface sections and algae turning the water green
2 hours ago
After arriving in Pennsylvania, President Trump dismissed Iran's claim and insisted recent talks had secured 100% inspection rights
2 hours ago
FBI Deputy Director Chris Raia said officials felt comfortable proceeding with the UFC event after key suspects were identified and closely monitored
2 hours ago
Bill O’Reilly downplayed the administration's mistakes by pointing to strategic errors made in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam
3 hours ago
President Trump alleged that the saboteur used an extremely sharp blade and deliberately cut across a long stretch of the pool overnight
4 hours ago
In a 6-3 ruling involving a Chinese national, the high court held agents could revoke arrival protections based on unproven criminal allegations
5 hours ago
Ro Khanna accused Elon Musk of using his wealth to silence critics after reports said he sought Khanna's arrest and threatened legal action
5 hours ago
Laura Loomer accused Tucker Carlson of abandoning GOP's Iran policies and deepening a right-wing foreign policy feud
6 hours ago