Epstein became widely known for alleged sexual exploitation and abuse of underage girls and in 2019, he was arrested on federal charges of sex trafficking and conspiracy to traffic minors for sexual exploitation. However, he died by alleged suicide in custody on Aug. 10, 2019.
“The lies linking me with Jeffrey Epstein need to end today,” Trump said on April 9. “I never had a relationship with Epstein or his accomplice Maxwell.”
Ghislaine Maxwell, a longtime associate of Epstein, was accused of recruiting and grooming underage girls for sexual abuse by Epstein and his associates.
She was convicted federally in December 2021 on charges including sex trafficking of a minor and transporting a minor with the intent to engage in prostitution.
Six months later, Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
“My email reply to Maxwell cannot be categorized as anything more than casual respondence,” Trump further stated. “My polite reply to her email doesn't amount to anything more than a polite note.”
Fake images and statements about the first lady and Epstein have been circulating on social media for years, according to her.
It has mainly been anonymous users, commenters, and conspiracy bloggers who have speculated about an association between Trump and Epstein.
"The first time I crossed paths with Epstein was in the year 2000 at an event Donald and I attended together," she said. "At the time, I had never met Epstein and had no knowledge of his criminal undertakings."
Trump further stated that she is not an Epstein victim and Epstein did not introduce her to Donald Trump. She criticized individuals who are lying as being "devoid of ethical standards, humility and respect."
"I do not object to their ignorance, but rather I reject their mean-spirited attempt to defame my reputation,” she said.
The first lady added that she met Donald Trump by chance, before he became the president, at a New York City party in 1998, and this initial encounter is documented in detail in her book "Melania."
Donald Trump and Melania were married in 2005. Their son, Barron, was born in 2006.
“Donald and I were invited to the same party as Epstein from time to time," Trump said. "Overlapping in social circles is common in New York City and Palm Beach."
After her six-minute statement, the first lady did not answer any questions and left the premises.
"I have never had any knowledge of Epstein's abuse of his victims," she added. "I was never involved in any capacity. I was not a participant. I was never on Epstein's plane and never visited his private island. I have never been legally accused or convicted of a crime in connection with Epstein's sex trafficking, abuse of minors, and other repulsive behavior."