First Lady Melania Trump has issued a formal denial of any relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, following the release of millions of pages of documents under the Justice Department’s Epstein Files Transparency Act.
Speaking from the White House on Thursday, April 9, she declared that neither was she friends with Epstein, nor a victim of the late sex offender.
“Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump. I met my husband by chance at a New York City party in 1998,” she said, adding that their first encounter is documented in her book, Melania.
Melania acknowledged that she and President Trump were occasionally invited to the same parties as Epstein, noting that overlapping social circles were common in New York and Palm Beach.
First Lady Melania Trump denies Epstein rumors
However, the First Lady insisted that her only interaction with Ghislaine Maxwell was a polite email reply, which she described as “casual correspondence.”
“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. I’ve never been friends with Epstein,” Melania emphasized.
“I never had a relationship with Epstein or his accomplice Maxwell. My email reply to Maxwell cannot be categorized as anything more than casual correspondence. My polite reply to her email doesn’t amount to anything more than a tribal note.”
Melania also clarified that the first time she crossed paths with Epstein was in 2000 at an event she attended with President Trump, and that she had no knowledge of his criminal activities at the time.
Her statement was aimed at addressing speculation that resurfaced after the Justice Department released millions of pages of Epstein‑related documents earlier this year.
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The newly released records included a 2002 email exchange between Melania Trump and Ghislaine Maxwell.
In the message, Melania complimented Maxwell on a New York Magazine article about Epstein and mentioned Epstein’s recent visit to Palm Beach, signing off with “Love, Melania.”
Maxwell replied warmly, calling her “sweet pea” and explaining that her travel schedule prevented a meeting.
The exchange drew attention because the magazine article contained a quote from President Trump noting Epstein’s preference for younger women.
The files also showed Melania’s name in a 2017 email from Epstein to author Michael Wolff, in which Epstein wrote: “Some journalists working a lead on a Melania boyfriend.”
DOJ report to Congress
Melania’s denial comes months after the Justice Department submitted a report to Congress detailing how it handled the release of Epstein records under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
In a six‑page letter dated February 14, 2026, former Attorney General Pamela Bondi and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche outlined categories of records disclosed, the legal basis for redactions, and a list of government officials and politically exposed persons whose names appear in the materials.
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The DOJ said it released the records across nine categories, including investigations and prosecutions involving Epstein and Maxwell, flight manifests, financial networks, immunity agreements, and internal DOJ communications. The department also included materials connected to Epstein’s detention and death.
It narrowly applied redactions to protect victims, sensitive legal matters, and privileged communications. The department emphasized that names appearing in the files do not indicate wrongdoing, noting that references range from direct communications to incidental mentions.
Among those listed were President Donald Trump, former Presidents Bill Clinton, Joe Biden, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, as well as former Vice President Kamala Harris, former Vice President Dick Cheney, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senator Mitt Romney, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and former UK Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Theresa May.
Bill Gates to appear for Congressional oversight hearing
The remarks by First Lady Melania coincide with a series of scheduled interviews by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
Microsoft co‑founder Bill Gates is set to appear on June 10 to discuss his dealings with Epstein. Gates previously apologized to staff at the Gates Foundation for his association with Epstein and admitted to affairs with two Russian women, which Epstein had learned of. Gates has said he “did nothing illicit” and “saw nothing illicit.”
His interview will follow the committee’s June 9 session with Epstein’s former executive assistant, Lesley Groff.
Other scheduled appearances include Gateway computer co‑founder Ted Waitt on April 30, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on May 6, and federal correctional officer Tova Noel on May 18.
Noel was on duty at the jail when Epstein died in August 2019. Former Attorney General Pam Bondi is scheduled for a deposition on April 14, shortly after her dismissal from office by President Trump.
