On April 9 the First Lady delivered an unexpected address, insisting she was "not Epstein's victim" and saying Epstein did not introduce her to Donald Trump. She said their initial meeting at a 1998 New York party is detailed in her book, denounced "unfounded and baseless lies," and urged Congress to hold hearings for Epstein's survivors.
Fifteen survivors responded with a statement accusing Melania of shifting the burden onto victims. Commentators asked why she spoke out now, with one asking, "What's about to drop?" The piece also notes Mr. Trump has denied closeness to Epstein despite photos and past social ties, and that he reportedly told aides Palm Beach in the 1990s was "a different time."