Melania Trump Denies Epstein Ties in Rare Statement

First Lady Melania Trump delivered a rare public statement from the White House on Thursday, firmly denying any personal relationship with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein and calling for an end to what she described as false accusations linking her to his crimes.

Trump, who has largely avoided the political spotlight during her husband's presidency, addressed reporters to refute claims of friendship or involvement with Epstein, who died in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. She emphasized that she had never been friends with Epstein and had no knowledge of his criminal activities, including the abuse of minors. "The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today," she said. "They are devoid of ethical standards, humility and respect."

In her remarks, Trump clarified the limited nature of her encounters with Epstein. She stated that she met her husband, President Donald Trump, by chance at a New York City party in 1998, an account detailed in her memoir. Their first interaction with Epstein occurred in 2000 at a social event they attended together. Overlapping social circles in New York City and Palm Beach led to occasional...