Melania Trump denies Epstein ties

In an unexpected and highly personal statement delivered from the Grand Foyer, Melania Trump asserted that she was never a victim of Jeffrey Epstein and that he did not introduce her to Donald Trump.

The address blindsided some White House aides and came as a surprise to the public, given her years of relative silence on the matter.

Survivors of Epstein have responded with skepticism, questioning the timing of the intervention and reiterating calls for other figures in the administration to be questioned.

Bipartisan support has since emerged for her proposal to hold public hearings on Capitol Hill for those affected by Epstein's crimes.