Melania Trump denies Epstein ties

In an unexpected address from the White House foyer, Melania Trump explicitly distanced herself from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, stating she was never friends with the disgraced financier.

She dismissed claims that Epstein introduced her to Donald Trump as 'baseless smears' and asserted her right to defend her reputation.

The First Lady also urged Congress to hold public hearings to allow Epstein's victims to testify, a move that has drawn mixed reactions from survivors.

President Trump later claimed he was unaware of the specific contents of her statement before it was delivered.