New Delhi: The First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump has refuted claims that she had connections with Jeffrey Epstein, the late American financer who was convicted of offenses involving minors. The wife of President Donald Trump has told reporters at the White House that any claims linking the two “need to end today”. Melania has added that she had no relation with his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell as well.
Melania Trump ‘clears air’ on Epstein association
She said in a statement, “I have never been friends with Epstein. I am not Epstein’s victim. Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump.” Also, she claimed that online rumours of Epstein introducing her to Donald Trump are “mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation”.
She added that she was not a victim of Epstein, and they briefly “crossed paths” in 2000. Melania said, “I have never had any knowledge of Epstein abuse of his victims. I was never involved in any capacity. I was not a participant.” Melania claimed that Trump and she were invited to the same parties as Epstein “from time to time” as “overlapping in social circles is common in New York City and Palm Beach”.
An email exchange that appears to be between Melania Trump and Ghislaine Maxwell in image released by US Justice Department. (Photo credit: Reuters)
‘It was casual correspondence’
The First Lady said, “I had never met Epstein and had no knowledge of his criminal undertakings. Numerous fake images and statements about Epstein and me have been calculating on social media for years now. Be cautious about what you believe.” Also, she claimed that she did not know Ghislaine Maxwell. The Epstein Files seem to have an email exchange between them that reads, “Give me a call when you are back in NY. Have a great time! Love, Melania.”
However, she refuted it as well and said, “My email reply to Maxwell cannot be characterized as anything more than casual correspondence. My polite reply to her email doesn’t amount to anything more than a trivial note.” Moreover, the First Lady reportedly surprised everyone in the US political circle on Thursday when she called for congressional hearings for survivors of Epstein’s sex trafficking. While Donald Trump has come under fire for his alleged association with Epstein, Melania has also come under the scrutiny for her association with the disgraced finances and his associate.