Melania Trump Denies Any Relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell
First Lady Melania Trump has publicly stated that she "never had a relationship" with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein or his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. In a scripted statement delivered at the White House on Thursday, she addressed ongoing speculation and called on Congress to hold a public hearing with survivors of Epstein's abuse.
Statement Details and Social Circle Overlap
Trump emphasized that she was not a victim of Epstein and that he did not introduce her to her husband, Donald Trump. She acknowledged that she and the president occasionally attended the same parties as Epstein, noting that "overlapping in social circles is common in New York City and Palm Beach." However, she specifically denied any deeper connection, describing her emails to Maxwell as mere "casual correspondence."
She elaborated that she first met Epstein in 2000 at a party with her husband, when she was known as Melania Knauss, and had no knowledge of his criminal activities at the time. Trump warned against believing "numerous fake images and statements" circulating on social media.
Email Exchange and Document Release
The Department of Justice released files earlier this year containing an email exchange that appears to involve Melania Trump and Maxwell. Sent on October 23, 2002, with the subject line "HI!", it begins "Dear G!" and references a "nice story about JE in NY mag." The sender, whose address is redacted, asks about travels and to call upon returning to New York.
A reply from "G. Max" states they are heading back to the city but won't have time to meet, though they would "try and call." The exchange occurred around the time New York Magazine published a flattering profile of Epstein, featuring a photo of Maxwell with him. While redactions prevent definitive proof, Trump referenced these emails in her statement, insisting they were trivial.
Social Interactions and Congressional Call
Maxwell and Melania Trump were photographed together in New York on November 11, 2002, at a Dolce & Gabbana event with Donald Trump and Naomi Campbell. In January 2003, Maxwell presented Epstein with a birthday book containing messages from associates, including one attributed to Donald Trump.
Trump also urged Congress to take sworn testimony from Epstein victims in a public hearing. Robert Garcia of California, ranking member of the House oversight committee, supported this call, encouraging Chairman Comer to schedule a hearing promptly. Several victims previously met with the committee in a closed session last fall.
