Melania Trump: 'I never flew on Epstein’s plane'

The First Lady of the United States made a rare public statement on live television on Thursday, April 9, addressing the press regarding circulating rumors about her alleged connections to convicted billionaire Jeffrey Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell.

'The lies linking me to the dishonorable Jeffrey Epstein must stop today,' she declared on air. 'People who lie about me lack ethical standards, humility, and respect. I do not mind their ignorance, but I reject their malicious attempts to tarnish my reputation.'

'False accusations against me by malicious and politically motivated individuals and entities seeking to damage my reputation, gain financially, and advance politically must cease,' the First Lady continued. 'Numerous fake images and statements about me and Epstein have been circulating on social media for years. Be cautious about what you believe. These images and stories are completely false.'

Melania, who is 55 years old, refuted rumors that it was Epstein who introduced her to President Donald Trump, noting that their chance meeting at a party in 1998 is described in her recently released memoir 'Melania.'

'I was never friends with Epstein,' the First Lady continued. 'Donald and I occasionally attended the same parties as Epstein, as overlapping social circles are common in New York and Palm Beach.'

'I first crossed paths with Epstein in 2000 at an event we attended with Donald. Before that, I had never met Epstein and had no knowledge of his criminal activities,' she added.

Melania also dismissed the significance of letters from the Epstein case materials in which she appears in correspondence with Epstein’s friend and alleged accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell.

'I want to make it clear: I never had any relationship with either Epstein or his associate Maxwell,' she stated. 'My response to Maxwell’s letter cannot be interpreted as anything other than casual correspondence. My polite reply to her letter is nothing more than a trivial note.'

Epstein, previously convicted of molesting a minor, died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal charges of human trafficking for sexual exploitation. Maxwell is currently serving her sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution in Bryan, Texas, where she was sent after her 2021 conviction for recruiting and grooming underage girls for Epstein.

'I am not a witness and have not been named as a witness in connection with any of Epstein’s crimes. My name has never appeared in court documents, testimonies, victim statements, or FBI interviews related to the Epstein case. I have never had any involvement in Epstein’s abuse of his victims. I have never been implicated in any capacity,' Melania stated.

'I was not a participant in the events. I never flew on Epstein’s plane and never visited his private island,' she added. 'I have never been legally accused or convicted of crimes related to Epstein’s sexual exploitation of minors and his despicable behavior.'

In conclusion, the First Lady called on Congress to act openly and transparently.

'We must still work openly and transparently to establish the truth,' she said. 'I urge Congress to provide the women who were victims of Epstein the opportunity to hold public hearings.'

'Give these victims the chance to testify under oath before Congress. Every woman should have the opportunity to publicly tell her story if she so wishes, and her testimony should be permanently recorded in the Congressional record. Only then will we know the truth.'

The First Lady did not respond to journalists’ questions and left the room.