Melania Trump denies Epstein ties

In a rare and unprompted public statement, Melania Trump sought to distance herself from the disgraced financier, stating she was never friends with him or Ghislaine Maxwell.

The First Lady characterized the rumors as politically motivated smears intended to damage her reputation.

While President Trump claimed to be unaware the speech was happening, the timing has raised questions among political analysts and survivors of Epstein's abuse.

The address comes as the administration faces intense scrutiny over various domestic and foreign policy crises.