Melania Trump blasts 'fake' Epstein smears, demands hearings: 'Each woman should have her day'
Melania Trump: The lies linking me with Jeffrey Epstein need to end today. I've never been friends with Epstein. I never had a relationship with Epstein or his accomplice, Maxwell. My email reply to Maxwell cannot be categorized as anything more than casual correspondence. pic.twitter.com/dczhHZUBxm
— Acyn (@Acyn) April 9, 2026
WASHINGTON, DC: First Lady Melania Trump on Thursday, April 9, firmly denied any association with Jeffrey Epstein or his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, saying she “never had a relationship” with either.
Speaking briefly from the White House, Melania Trump dismissed circulating claims as “fake images and statements,” accusing unnamed individuals of spreading “false smears” to damage her reputation for political or financial gain.
Rare public remarks from Melania Trump
The statement marked a rare on-camera intervention by the first lady, known for her guarded public profile. Aides gathered at the White House to watch her remarks, with some reportedly unaware in advance of her decision to address the controversy.
Her comments came amid heightened scrutiny around the Epstein case, including a dispute involving the Justice Department and Congress over testimony linked to the investigation.
Melania Trump calls for congressional hearing
Melania Trump used the moment to call on lawmakers to prioritize survivors, urging Congress to hold public hearings where victims can testify under oath.
“Each and every woman should have her day to tell her story in public, if she wishes,” she said, adding that such testimony should be preserved in the Congressional record to establish the truth.
Her remarks followed the Justice Department’s indication that former Attorney General Pam Bondi would not comply with a congressional subpoena.
Responding to the first lady’s statement, Democratic Congressman Robert Garcia supported the call for hearings, urging the Republican-led panel to act swiftly.
Republican lawmaker Nancy Mace also backed the proposal, calling for transparency and accountability in uncovering the full scope of Epstein’s network.
Melania Trump addresses past contact
Melania Trump acknowledged a past email exchange with Ghislaine Maxwell, describing it as “casual correspondence” and denying any deeper connection.
She also clarified that she was not a victim of Epstein and said he did not introduce her to her husband, President Donald Trump.
She stated that her only known encounter with Epstein was at a public event in 2000, adding that she had no knowledge of his criminal activities at the time.
