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First lady Melania Trump delivered a rare, brief statement Thursday afternoon at the White House, coming out swinging at those who have linked her to Jeffrey Epstein, calling them “devoid of ethical standards.”
The remarks lasted roughly three minutes and did not include questions from the press.
“The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today,” she said. “I do not object to their ignorance, but rather I reject their mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation.”
A White House official told Fox News ahead of the event that the appearance would be a “statement” rather than a formal announcement.
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Trump clarified the history between herself, her husband, President Donald Trump, and Epstein, during her remarks.
“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,” she said.
President Donald Trump spoke with MS NOW on the first lady’s remarks, reportedly saying he didn’t “know anything about” the statement beforehand.
He added: “[Melania] didn’t know him,” referring to Epstein, before hanging up with the journalist.
The first lady went on to reference several named accusers, including Democrat insider James Carville and The Daily Beast, as those who publicly apologized after linking Trump to Epstein.
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“To date, several individuals and companies have been legally obligated to publicly apologize and retract their lies about me, such as The Daily Beast, James Carville and Harper Collins, UK,” Trump said. “The false smears about me from mean-spirited and politically motivated individuals and entities looking to cause damage to my good name, to gain financially and climb politically, must stop. My attorneys and I have fought these unfounded and baseless lies with success, and will continue to maintain my sound reputation without hesitation.”
The Daily Beast pulled a story about Melania Trump being “very involved” with Epstein, based on an interview with Michael Wolff, last July after the outlet said the “article did not meet our standards.”
Mrs. Trump further clarified the historical record in her statement, explaining that she met Epstein in 2000, two years after she met her husband, Donald.
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“I am not Epstein’s victim,” Trump said. “Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump. I met my husband by chance at a New York City party in 1998. This initial encounter with my husband is documented in a detail in my book ‘Melania.’ The first time I crossed paths with Epstein was in the year 2000 at an event Donald and I attended together. At the time, I had never met Epstein and had no knowledge of his criminal undertakings.”
The first lady also cautioned Americans concerning ‘fake images’ on social media related to the matter.
“Numerous fake images and statements about Epstein and me have been calculating on social media for years now,” Trump said. “Be cautious about what you believe. These images and stories are completely false.”
The first lady called on Congress to act on Epstein’s circle, saying ‘each and every woman’ should have her moment to share testimony.
“I call on Congress to provide the women who have been victimized by Epstein with a public hearing specifically centered around the survivors,” she said. “Give these victims their opportunity to testify under oath in front of Congress with the power of sworn testimony. 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.”
“First Lady Melania Trump spoke out now because enough is enough. The lies must stop,” Mrs. Trump’s senior advisor Marc Beckman told the New York Post. “It is time for the public and media to focus on her incredible achievements as First Lady, the lives she has positively impacted, and her commitment to our nation.”
Melania’s office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for additional comment.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Fox News Digital’s Brian Flood contributed to this reporting.
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