Melania Trump Denies Epstein Ties, Urges Congressional Hearings
At a White House statement on April 9, 2026, Melania Trump denied ties to Jeffrey Epstein, called accusations 'completely false,' and urged Congress to hold a survivors' hearing.
CNBCMelania Trump attacks claims about her and Jeffrey Epstein
Washington ExaminerMelania Trump speaks on her relationship with Jeffrey Epstein
Raw Story'False smears must stop!' Melania Trump fires back at accusations of Epstein ties
USA TODAYMelania Trump denounces 'false smears' about her and Jeffrey Epstein
Overview
First lady Melania Trump delivered a statement at the White House on April 9, 2026, denying ties to Jeffrey Epstein and saying online accusations are "completely false."
She called on Congress to hold a public hearing for Epstein's survivors so they can testify and have their testimony entered into the congressional record.
She said her attorneys have fought the allegations and that her name never appears in court documents, victim statements, or FBI interviews related to Epstein, according to her remarks.
She acknowledged sending an email to Ghislaine Maxwell on Oct. 23, 2002, and said she was in overlapping social circles with Epstein in New York and Palm Beach but not friends.
The White House notification did not indicate what she planned to discuss, and media accounts described the remarks as a developing story.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources reproduce the first lady's denials as source content but exhibit editorial framing through word choice and emphasis. the label "scathing," lead placement of her rebuttal, and publication of the Maxwell email steer readers toward her account while omitting independent perspectives or contextual reporting that would challenge or corroborate those claims.