Melania Trump denies Epstein ties

In an unprompted and extraordinary address from the White House, Melania Trump sought to distance herself from the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

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

She explicitly stated she was never a friend of Epstein and was not introduced to Donald Trump by him, despite resurfaced photos and emails suggesting social proximity.

The move reportedly blindsided some West Wing officials and has thrust the Epstein scandal back into the national spotlight.