Melania Trump denies Epstein ties

The First Lady's unexpected intervention has breathed new life into a scandal that the Trump administration has long sought to downplay.

In her statement, she clarified that she was never friends with Epstein and was not introduced to Donald Trump by him, despite long-standing online speculation.

Media analysts have described the timing of the address as 'beyond bizarre,' with some suggesting it has blindsided the President.

Meanwhile, Epstein survivors have criticized the statement, arguing that the First Lady is attempting to distance herself from a legacy that remains under intense legal scrutiny.