First Lady Melania Trump has denied connections to Jeffrey Epstein, telling reporters at the White House that any claims linking the two “need to end today”. In an unexpected announcement on Thursday, the first lady called for congressional hearings for survivors of Epstein’s sex trafficking.
She also denied online rumours that Epstein introduced her to Donald Trump, calling them “mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation”. It is unclear what prompted the announcement.
The intervention has produced a mixed response from Epstein survivors. One survivor, Lisa Phillips, described the statement as a “bold move” but questioned what more the first lady could do to support Epstein’s accusers.