Melania Trump has launched an explosive tirade denying any knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes.
As her husband Donald Trump wages war in Iran, the First Lady held her own shock press conference to dismiss accusations that she was involved with the paedophile billionaire.
She told reporters: ‘I am not Epstein’s victim, Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump. I met my husband by chance at the New York City Party in 1998. This initial encounter with my husband is documented in a detail in my book, Melania.
‘The first time I crossed paths with Epstein was in the year 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.
‘Numerous fake images and statements about Epstein and me have been circulating on social media for years now.
‘Be cautious about what you believe these images and stories are completely false.
‘The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today. The individuals lying about me are devoid of ethical standards, humility and respect.
‘I do not object to their ignorance, but rather I reject their mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation.’
Reading an extraordinary statement at the White House, she denied any association with Epstein and said, ‘My attorneys and I have fought these unfounded and baseless lies with success.’
‘Each and every woman should have her day to tell her story in public if she wishes,’ she said.
‘Then, and only then, we will have the truth.’
The Epstein files had begun to be overshadowed by the war in Iran – but the First Lady’s surprising comments might push it back into the political spotlight.
She described an email reply she sent to Maxwell, uncovered in the Epstein files, as ‘casual correspondence’ without elaborating.
‘My polite reply to her email doesn’t amount to anything more than a trifle,’ she said.
‘I’m 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 in interviews surrounding the Epstein matter.
‘I have never had any knowledge of Epstein’s abuse of his victims. I was never involved in any capacity.’
She added: ‘Now is the time for Congress to act. Epstein was not alone. Several prominent male executives resigned from their powerful positions after this matter became widely politicised. Of course, this doesn’t amount to guilt, but we still must work openly and transparently to uncover the truth.’
