First girl Melania Trump blasted “lies linking me to the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein” in extraordinary and uncommon remarks from the White House Thursday, making an attempt to distance herself from the convicted intercourse offender whereas calling on Congress to hold hearings permitting his victims to testify on Capitol Hill.
That name for motion immediately undercut ongoing messaging from her husband and the West Wing, renewing consideration on a subject that was fading from public discourse amid the struggle with Iran. President Donald Trump and his prime lieutenants have sought to downplay Epstein and his victims, repeatedly and publicly stating that the nation is prepared to transfer on.
President Trump was conscious his spouse deliberate to make Thursday’s assertion, an individual aware of the matter mentioned.
“I have never been friends with Epstein. Donald and I were invited to the same parties as Epstein from time to time, since overlapping in social circles is common in New York City and Palm Beach,” the primary girl mentioned in remarks to reporters. “To be clear, I never had a relationship with Epstein or his accomplice, [Ghislaine] Maxwell.”
Melania Trump referred to as on Congress to present a discussion board for Epstein’s victims to testify on Capitol Hill.
“I call on Congress to provide the women who have been victimized by Epstein with a public hearing specifically centered around the survivors, give these victims their opportunity to testify under oath in front of Congress with the power of sworn testimony,” she mentioned.
“Each and every woman should have her day to tell her story in public, if she wishes, and then her testimony should be permanently entered into the congressional record.”
Former Attorney General Pamela Bondi, who was fired partly over her dealing with of the Epstein information, was requested to apologize to Epstein survivors throughout a February congressional hearing and declined to achieve this.
Melania Trump additionally sought to downplay her relationship with Maxwell, Epstein’s affiliate who was convicted of sex trafficking. CNN had inquired with her workplace in February a few pleasant 2002 e mail trade between the 2 girls — which was launched as a part of a tranche of paperwork pertaining to the Epstein investigation — however didn’t obtain a response. Trump signed that e mail, “Love, Melania” and Maxwell responded, calling her “sweet pea.”
On Thursday, Trump characterised the e-mail as “casual” and a “polite reply.”
This story has been up to date with extra info.
Kevin Liptak contributed to this report.
