Melania Trump has drawn criticism from Jeffrey Epstein survivors following her unexpected White House statement denying any relationship with the disgraced financier. While she called for public congressional hearings for victims, survivors accused her of “shifting the burden” and protecting those in power.
In a rare public address from the White House, Melania Trump stated, “I have never had a relationship with Epstein,” and asserted that “Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump.” She described their interactions as occasional social encounters common in New York and Palm Beach, and characterized her correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell as “casual.”
Furthermore, the First Lady urged Congress to provide a platform for Epstein’s victims to “testify under oath in front of Congress with the power of sworn testimony.” She emphasized that “each and every woman should have her day to tell her story in public if she wishes.”
However, a group of Epstein survivors and the family of Virginia Giuffre swiftly responded, accusing Melania Trump of “shifting the burden onto survivors under politicized conditions to protect those with power.” They argued that asking more of survivors, who have already shown immense courage, is a “deflection of responsibility, not justice.”
Survivors also pointed to the ongoing lack of full compliance from the Trump administration and former Attorney General Pam Bondi regarding the release of Epstein-related files, suggesting that the First Lady’s statement diverts attention from these critical issues.
The First Lady’s statement comes at a time when the handling of the Epstein scandal and the release of related files continue to be a point of contention. Her legal team has previously worked to combat rumors and retractions have been issued by media outlets regarding claims about her introduction to Donald Trump through Epstein. The timing of her address, while addressing her personal ties, also coincides with ongoing political developments, including discussions around the war in Iran and economic inflation.