Melania Trump Denies Epstein Ties but Dodges Questions in Surprise Press Conference

Melania Trump made a surprise statement on April 6, dissociating herself from Jeffrey Epstein. Ever since the Epstein Files have been released, there has been chatter about Melania Trump and President Donald Trump’s connection to the late s– offender.

Finally, the First Lady decided to address the issue and made it clear that she had nothing to do with Epstein. However, the statement appeared to served only half its purpose, as the 55-year-old refused to answer questions from the media.

The first lady did not wait after concluding her speech and instead rushed back inside, while the reporters waited for her to answer their questions. Social media users was quickly pointed out that Trump avoided two key questions about Epstein.

One reporter asked, “Should Secretary Lutnick continue serving?” For those unaware, the Epstein Files revealed that Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick continued to be in touch with the child abuser even after he was convicted of soliciting a minor in 2008.

Another reporter asked, “Would you meet with survivors?” However, she ignored the media and left the podium in a hurry. Many are now raising concerns about the one-sided press briefing, while others are shocked by the timing of the speech, considering the Epstein Files were no longer a hot topic.

President Donald Trump has already urged people to move on from the files. Much of the media attention has also shifted to the Iran war in the past month. However, Melania Trump still decided to clear the air about the “false smears about her.”

During her speech, she said she never visited Epstein's island and only knew him as an acquaintance because they attended the same parties. “I’ve never been friends with Epstein. Donald and I were invited to the same parties as Epstein from time to time, since overlapping in social circles is common in New York City and Palm Beach,” she said.

Explaining why she spoke out, Melania Trump said, “[I’ve] never been legally accused or convicted of a crime in connection with Epstein's s-- trafficking, abuse of minors and other repulsive behaviour. The false smears about me from mean-spirited and politically motivated individuals and entities looking to cause damage to my good name to gain financially and climb politically must stop.”

The First Lady urged Congress to hold a public hearing for Epstein’s victims so they can share their stories if they choose. She also spoke about her relationship with Epstein’s associate and convicted child trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell.

The Epstein Files exposed a 2002 email exchange between the two, signed ‘Love, Melania.’ In response, Maxwell called her ‘sweet pea.’ The First Lady said it was a ‘casual’ and ‘polite reply.’

Donald Trump enjoyed a years-long friendship with Epstein, which fell apart in the mid-2000s. Though the president has been named several times in the Epstein Files, he maintains that he was not aware of the child abuser’s crimes. Trump has also stated that he broke off his friendship with Epstein even before his crimes came to public light.