Not guilty? Melania Trump rejects Epstein links in a surprise White House announcement

First Lady Melania Trump denied any close ties to Jeffrey Epstein during a surprise White House address on Thursday that went viral. According to USA Today, she called claims linking her to the late sex trafficker "false smears" that must end. The First Lady also rejected rumors that Epstein introduced her to President Donald Trump.

Trump stated she briefly "crossed paths" with Epstein in 2000 but had "never had any knowledge of Epstein abuse of his victims," BBC reported. She insisted, "I was never involved in any capacity. I was not a participant."

Maxwell email surfaces in files

Recently released Epstein files include a 2002 email from "Melania" to "GI," likely Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's jailed associate, USA Today noted. The message praised a magazine story on Epstein and asked about Palm Beach. Maxwell replied the next year, the report confirms, calling her "sweet pea."

According to USA Today, the First Lady dismissed it as "casual correspondence" and "a trivial note." She denied knowing Maxwell's crimes and reportedly said, "To be clear, I never had a relationship with Epstein or his accomplice, Maxwell."

A widely circulated photo shows Trump with Epstein, Maxwell, and the president. Publishers like HarperCollins UK retracted unverified claims of Epstein matchmaking, BBC reported. The Daily Beast also reportedly apologized for an article that fell short of standards.

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Push for survivor hearings

Trump urged Congress to hold hearings for Epstein survivors. She said lawmakers should "give these victims their opportunity to testify under oath" and enter stories into the record "permanently," according to BBC.

"Each and every woman should have her day to tell her story in public if she wishes, and then her testimony should be permanently entered into the congressional record," she said, as reported by BBC. "Then, and only then, we will have the truth."

California Rep. Robert Garcia, top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, agreed, per BBC. He called on Chairman James Comer to schedule a public hearing right away.

Survivors reacted with caution. According to BBC, Lisa Phillips called it a "bold move" but questioned real support, telling BBC Radio 4, "I like to look at it as a little bit of an optimist, and say, 'okay, let's see what she can do'."

Phillips preferred private hearings for those under non-disclosure agreements. Virginia Giuffre's family told BBC Newsnight that demanding more testimony deflects responsibility from powerful figures, BBC confirmed.

The First Lady did not take questions after her statement. Her rare public step reignites debate over Epstein probes and file releases.