Melania Trump is pushing back against what she calls “mean‑spirited attempts” by “individuals lying” about her connection to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
Nearly 24 years ago, someone named “Melania” sent an email to Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted child sex offender now serving a 20‑year prison term for her role alongside the late Jeffrey Epstein.
“Dear GI, How are you? Nice story about JE in NY Mag. You look great in the picture, Melania,” wrote Melania in the Oct. 23, 2002, message, according to records included in a large collection of Epstein‑related documents released by the Department of Justice (DOJ) after lawmakers pressed for their publication.
“I know you’re very busy flying all over the world. How was Palm Beach? I can’t wait to go down. Give me a call when you’re back in NY. Have a great time! Love, Melania.”
Names in the document were redacted, even as the DOJ said it aimed to be as transparent as possible in releasing non‑victim material.
‘Sweet pea’
A reply dated Jan. 1, 2003, from someone identified as “G. Max” added another layer to the resurfaced exchange.
“Sweet pea – thanks for your message. Actually, plans changed again and I’m now on my way back to NY,” the response read.
“I leave again on Fri, so I still don’t think I have time to see you sadly. I’ll try and call though. Keep well.”
That exchange, along with a photo long circulating online showing Melania, Donald Trump, Epstein, and Maxwell together, fueled renewed scrutiny.
‘Not Epstein’s victim’
Responding to the claims, Melania Trump defended herself in a White House address, insisting she was “not Epstein’s victim” and “never had a relationship with Epstein or his accomplice, Maxwell.”
‘First time I crossed paths with Epstein’
Rather than leave the public guessing, the First Lady clarified how she met Epstein, pushing back on rumors that have persisted for years.
“The first time I crossed paths with Epstein was in 2000, at an event Donald and I attended together. At the time, I had never met Epstein and had no knowledge of his criminal undertakings,” she said on April 9.
She also addressed a long‑standing rumor that Epstein introduced her to her husband.
“I have never been friends with Epstein. Donald and I were invited to the same parties as Epstein from time to time, since overlapping in social circles is common in New York City and Palm Beach,” she said, adding, “Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump. I met my husband by chance at a New York City party in 1998.”
‘Never involved in any capacity’
Melania went on to deny any involvement in Epstein’s criminal activities, saying neither investigators nor court records have ever linked her to the case.
“I am not a witness or a named witness in connection with any of Epstein’s crimes. My name has never appeared in court documents, depositions, victim statements, or FBI interviews related to the Epstein matter.”
She continued: “I have never had any knowledge of Epstein’s abuse of his victims. I was never involved in any capacity — I was not a participant, was never on Epstein’s plane, and never visited his private island.”
She added one final line to close the door entirely: “I have never been legally accused or convicted of a crime in connection with Epstein’s sex trafficking, abuse of minors, or other repulsive behavior.”
‘False smears’
Even as she defended herself, Melania argued that the larger issue shouldn’t be lost. She said false images and fabricated claims have circulated online for years and urged readers not to confuse internet rumors with verified facts.
“Numerous fake images and statements about Epstein and me have been circulating on social media for years. Be cautious about what you believe. These images and stories are completely false.”
She went further, saying, “The false smears about me from mean‑spirited and politically motivated individuals and entities seeking to damage my good name for financial or political gain must stop.”
Call to survivors
At the same time, she called for public testimony from survivors and urged Congress to continue investigating.
“Now is the time for Congress to act. Epstein was not alone,” she said. “I call on Congress to provide the women victimized by Epstein with a public hearing specifically centered on the survivors. Give these victims their opportunity to testify under oath before Congress, with the power of sworn testimony.”
She closed with a broader appeal focused on the women who say they were harmed: “Each and every woman should have her day to tell her story publicly, if she wishes, and her testimony should be permanently entered into the Congressional Record.”
She added, “Then, and only then, will we have the truth.”
