Melania Denies Jeffrey Epstein Ties

The surprise public statement has blindsided White House officials and breathed new life into a scandal the president has repeatedly sought to downplay.

Melania Trump asserted that she was never friends with Epstein and was not introduced to Donald Trump by him, despite resurfaced photos and emails.

The address has drawn sharp criticism from Epstein survivors, who accused the First Lady of diverting attention from ongoing investigations.

Analysts are struggling to interpret the timing of the intervention, with some suggesting it indicates a lack of alignment within the first family.