Victims criticize Melania Trump’s statement on Epstein connections

Summary: First Lady Melania Trump recently spoke out to deny having any close ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein or his partner Ghislaine Maxwell. She explained that a 2002 email she signed "Love, Melania" was just a polite, casual note about a magazine photo. Melania suggested there should be a public hearing focused on Epstein's victims.

However, lawmakers and the survivors themselves pushed back. Fifteen survivors signed a letter saying they have already shared their painful stories and shouldn't be forced to do it again just to protect powerful people. Meanwhile, politicians are calling her statement a "shameless book promotion," asking Melania to testify under oath, and urging the release of all hidden Epstein files.

For more details, see Salon at salon.com/2026/04/10/victims-criticize-melania-trumps-statement-on-epstein-connections/ (opens in new tab)