Overview
- Melania Trump delivered a surprise statement at the White House denying any relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and left without taking questions.
- She said she was never on Epstein’s plane or island and stated she was not his victim.
- President Trump and several aides said they were not told in advance, with Trump later saying she had a right to speak though he might not have done it that way.
- Her call for survivor-centered congressional hearings drew criticism from some victims who say the Justice Department has slow-walked releases and over-redacted records.
- The remarks broadened attention on Epstein records and connections, including a 2002 email exchange with Ghislaine Maxwell, a group photo with Epstein and Donald Trump, and the role of modeling figure Paolo Zampolli.