First Lady Denies Connection to Epstein
On April 9, 2026, First Lady Melania Trump issued a public statement from the White House addressing rumors concerning her alleged connections to Jeffrey Epstein. In her remarks, she categorically denied any friendship or association with Epstein, stating, "I have never been friends with Epstein," and urged those spreading false claims to cease their actions[1][2].
The statement comes amid ongoing discussions and controversies around Jeffrey Epstein, a financier who was charged with engaging in sex trafficking before his death in 2019. Claims linking public figures to Epstein have persisted in various media and public forums.
Call for Congressional Hearing
Melania Trump also used the opportunity to stress the importance of continued investigation into Epstein's activities. She called on Congress to hold hearings that would allow survivors of Epstein's actions to testify and share their experiences[2][3]. The First Lady expressed her support for these testimonies to be heard in a formal setting, reinforcing her commitment to ensuring justice for the victims.
Recent Activities and Initiatives
The context of the First Lady’s statement is aligned with her ongoing initiatives. Last month, she hosted a two-day summit as part of the "Fostering the Future Together" initiative. This program aims to tackle challenges faced by children in the digital era, and could further frame her interest in ensuring safety and transparency in societal issues[4].
The First Lady’s comments have been covered by several major news outlets, highlighting both the personal and public aspects of her statement regarding Jeffrey Epstein.