Melania Trump denies Epstein links, calls for public hearings

US first lady dismisses online rumours suggesting Epstein had introduced her to Donald Trump  

WASHINGTON: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-April 10^th, 2026) Melania Trump has firmly rejected claims linking her to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, stating she neither had any association with him nor was she among his victims. Her statement has once again brought renewed attention to the long-running Epstein controversy.

Speaking at the White House, she dismissed online rumours suggesting Epstein had introduced her to Donald Trump. She clarified that she met her husband at a New York event in 1998, and only encountered Epstein years later at a separate gathering.

The First Lady also called on lawmakers to organise public hearings where Epstein’s victims could testify under oath, a move that could revive public debate on the issue. Delivering a brief statement without taking questions, she said the allegations connecting her to Epstein were baseless and should be put to rest.

Her remarks have reignited scrutiny of the Epstein case, which has remained politically sensitive during Trump’s presidency. The issue resurfaced recently following criticism over the handling of official records related to Epstein, including the dismissal of former Attorney General Pam Bondi amid pressure over delays in releasing key documents.

Trump, who had past social interactions with Epstein before distancing himself in the early 2000s, is among several high-profile figures named in official files.

However, no wrongdoing has been established against him.

Melania Trump did not explain the timing of her statement, which comes as global attention has largely shifted to broader geopolitical developments. Her adviser Marc Beckman said she chose to speak out because “enough is enough” and false narratives needed to be addressed.

In a rare public intervention, she also denied any meaningful connection with Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell, describing their interaction as limited to occasional, casual communication.

Epstein, who had previously been convicted in 2008 on charges related to the exploitation of a minor, was later arrested in 2019 on Federal sex trafficking allegations. He died in custody the same year in a case officially ruled as suicide.

Meanwhile, opinion polls indicate continued public scepticism over the handling of Epstein-related disclosures, with many Americans believing that key information has yet to be fully revealed. Some survivors have opposed the idea of fresh public hearings, arguing that sufficient testimony has already been presented and urging authorities to focus on legal accountability instead.