Melania Trump denies Epstein ties in rare public statement

Melania Trump is pushing back against rumors linking her to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in a rare public statement.

(NBC)- Melania Trump is pushing back against rumors linking her to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in a rare public statement.

“The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today,” the First Lady said, without specifying what prompted her to speak out now.

Behind the scenes, her legal team has reportedly spent the past year challenging publications they believe spread false or defamatory claims about any connection between her and Epstein.

“I am not Epstein’s victim. Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump,” she said, firmly denying claims about her past.

She also said she had no knowledge of Epstein’s crimes and rejected any suggestion she had closer ties to him.

“I was never on Epstein’s plane and never visited his private island,” she added.

Mrs. Trump acknowledged she may have crossed paths with Epstein at social events but downplayed a 2002 email included in Justice Department files. The message, sent to Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell, referenced a positive magazine story.

“My email reply to Maxwell cannot be characterized as anything more than casual correspondence,” she said.

The First Lady is also calling on Congress to hold public hearings for survivors, emphasizing that Epstein did not act alone.

The comments have reignited political debate in Washington. Congressman Ro Khanna says more transparency is needed and urged further release of investigative files.

Meanwhile, Republican Congressman Thomas Massie says the Justice Department should take the lead in providing additional information.