Donald Trump has said he had no idea his wife Melania was about to deliver a shock speech attacking “lies” about him and Jeffrey Epstein.
The 55-year-old first lady condemned “outrageous claims” that she had an affair with a pedophile financier and vigorously denied rumors that Epstein had introduced her to her husband.
Melania’s closest adviser has now revealed why the First Lady decided to bravely speak out now.
Senior advisor Mark Beckman told New York Post: “first Lady melania trump Now I have said it because enough is enough.
“The lies must stop. It is now time for the public and media to focus on her incredible accomplishments as First Lady, the lives she has positively impacted, and her commitment to our nation.”
In Melania’s public address at the White House on Thursday, she rejected online fake stories linking her to Epstein.
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During the speech she bluntly told reporters: “I am not a victim of Epstein.”
This is the first time Melania has spoken publicly about Epstein.
The rare statement from the former model, who married the US president in 2005, came as a big surprise as there was no prior suggestion that she would address the baseless social media rumours.
Trump later told ms now In a brief phone call, he said he had no idea Melania was going to speak out about Epstein and that he was not told in advance.
Trump agreed with his wife and mother over his 20-year-old son Barron, saying there should be no reason for people to believe that Melania was ever friends with a convicted sex trafficker.
A White House official also told the outlet that several high-profile staffers were caught off guard by the powerful statement.
It was announced 24 hours earlier that Melania would be hosting an event with reporters.
Beckman even said that the topic would be “big” but remained tight-lipped on what it would include.
As she took to the podium wearing a gray two-piece suit, the glam first lady looked straight into the camera and defended herself over the Epstein links.
She said: “The lies linking me to the abusive Jeffrey Epstein need to end today.
“The person lying about me is devoid of moral standards, humility and respect.
“I was never friends with Epstein. Donald and I were invited from time to time to some of the same parties as Epstein. To be clear, I never had any relationship with Epstein or his partner Maxwell.
“I am not a victim of Epstein. Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump.”
“I met my husband by chance,” Melania said.
She reported that she met President Trump at a party in New York City in 1998 – details of which are in her book Melania.
Melania confessed to meeting with Epstein on several occasions – which is why the pair have been photographed together in the past.
But she said she knew nothing about the devious sex trafficking network created by Epstein.
Melania also said she had never been to his notorious island, where young girls were taken out and abused by wealthy elites.
Both Donald and Melania say they severed all ties with Epstein and any associates in the early 2000s.
Melania boldly urged Congress to listen to victims, saying: “Epstein was not alone.”
She said, “I call on Congress to provide the women victimized by Epstein with a public hearing focused specifically on survivors.”
“Give these victims the opportunity to testify under oath before Congress Power Of sworn testimony.
“Every woman should have her day to tell her story publicly if she wants to… then, and only then, will we have the truth.”
At the end of her speech, Melania refused to answer any questions from reporters.
Epstein took his own life in a New York jail cell in 2019 while facing charges of sex trafficking of minors.
His partner Ghislaine Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking and related crimes.
Melania’s complete shocking statement
Good afternoon. The lies linking me to the abusive Jeffrey Epstein need to end today.
The person lying about me is devoid of moral standards, humility and respect.
I don’t object to their ignorance, but I do reject their poor attempts to tarnish my reputation.
I was never friends with Epstein.
Donald and I were invited to the same parties as Epstein from time to time, as overlapping social circles are common in New York City and Palm Beach.
To be clear, I never had any association with Epstein or his partner Maxwell.
My email reply to Maxwell cannot be classified as anything more than casual correspondence.
My polite reply to his email is nothing more than a trivial note.
I am not a victim of Epstein. Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump.
I met my husband by chance in 1998 at a party in New York City. This initial meeting with my husband is documented in detail in my book, Melania.
I first met Epstein in 2000 at an event that Donald and I attended together.
At the time, I had never met Epstein and had no knowledge of his criminal enterprises.
Many false photos and statements about Epstein and me have been circulating on social media for years.
Be careful about who you trust.
These pictures and stories are completely false.
I am not a witness or named witness in connection with any of Epstein’s crimes. My name has never appeared in court documents, depositions, victim statements or interviews with the FBI related to the Epstein case.
I have no knowledge of Epstein ever abusing his victims.
I was never involved in any position. I was not a participant, I was never on Epstein’s plane and never visited his private island.
I have never been legally charged or convicted of a crime in connection with Epstein’s, sex trafficking, abuse of minors, and other despicable behavior.
The false ridicule about me by mean and politically motivated individuals and institutions seeking to damage my good name to gain financially and advance politically must stop.
My lawyers and I have successfully fought these baseless and baseless lies, and will continue to maintain our good reputation without hesitation.
To date, several individuals and companies have been legally obliged to publicly apologize and retract their lies about me.
Now is the time for Congress to act.
Epstein was not alone.
Several prominent male officials resigned from their powerful positions after the case became widely politicized. Of course, this does not amount to guilt, but we must still work openly and transparently to expose the truth.
I call on Congress to provide the women abused by Epstein with a public hearing focused specifically on survivors.
Give these victims the opportunity to testify under oath before Congress with the power of sworn testimony.
Every woman should have her day to tell her story publicly, if she wishes, and then her testimony should be permanently recorded in the Congressional Record.
Then, and only then, will we have the truth. Thank you.
