Melania Trump disputes links to Jeffrey Epstein in surprise White House video

Melania Trump delivered an unexpected live statement from the White House saying she never had a relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and calling the claims defamatory; she also urged Congress to hold a public hearing for survivors.

Melania Trump delivered a surprise live statement from the Grand Foyer of the White House addressing claims that she had a relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. She said the claims are lies that defame her reputation and that she never had a relationship with Epstein or his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Mrs. Trump also said she is not a named witness in related legal matters and described circulating images and statements about her as false. In the address she called on Congress to hold a public hearing focused on survivors. Key facts: - Melania Trump said she never had a relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and described claims linking her to him as defamatory and false. - The statement was delivered live from the White House Grand Foyer; some staff reportedly did not know the planned content in advance. - She said her name does not appear in court documents or depositions connected to Epstein and noted Epstein died in 2019 while facing sex trafficking charges. - She called on Congress to provide a public hearing for survivors; no formal hearing date or schedule was announced. Summary: The statement served as a public denial aimed at addressing circulating claims and directing attention to survivor testimony in Congress. Any formal congressional response or scheduled hearing is undetermined at this time.