WASHINGTON D.C. — Melania Trump said on Thursday that she has no connection to Jeffrey Epstein and denied being a victim of abuse by the convicted sex offender, making rare public remarks from the White House.
In her statement, Melania Trump said she has “never had any knowledge” of Epstein’s abuse, was not involved in any capacity, and was never a participant in his crimes. She also said she was never on Epstein’s plane or present at his private island.
She rejected claims linking her to Epstein and said circulating images and statements about her and Epstein on social media were false.
Melania Trump also said she met President Donald Trump independently and that Epstein did not introduce her to him.
She urged the U.S. Congress to hold a public hearing to allow survivors of Epstein’s abuse to testify under oath.
Epstein, who was previously convicted of sex crimes involving minors, died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on additional trafficking charges. The U.S. Justice Department has since released multiple sets of files related to the case.
Melania Trump’s statement did not specify the timing or reason for her remarks.