In a Thursday address to reporters at the White House, Trump sought to completely distance herself from Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. "The lies linking me to the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein must end today," the U.S. First Lady firmly declared. She clarified the nature of their occasional past encounters, emphasizing that they were solely due to overlapping social circles. "I was never friends with Epstein. Donald and I were occasionally invited to the same parties, as overlapping social circles are quite common in New York and Palm Beach. To be clear, I never had any relationship with Epstein or his accomplice Maxwell," said Melania. Call to Congress: "Epstein was not alone" The First Lady took the opportunity to call for justice for the survivors, stressing that it is now "time for Congress to act because Epstein was not alone." She requested the organization of a public hearing focused exclusively on the victims. "I urge Congress to ensure a public hearing for the women who were Epstein's victims. Give these victims the opportunity to testify under oath before Congress. Every woman should have her day to publicly tell her story if she wishes, and her testimony should be permanently entered into the Congressional record. Only then will we uncover the truth," she emphasized. Explicit denial of involvement Melania Trump also detailedly refuted any connection to Epstein's criminal activities, stressing that she was never aware of him abusing his victims. She stated that she was not involved in any capacity, adding that she was never on his plane nor visited his private island. She clarified that she is not a witness or a named individual in relation to any of Epstein's crimes. As she claims, her name has never appeared in court documents, victim statements, or FBI interview reports regarding this case. She specifically addressed the relationship with her husband, smoothly dismissing claims about Epstein's role in their meeting. "I am not Epstein's victim, and Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump. I met my husband entirely by chance, and the details of our first meeting are documented in my book 'Melania,'" she stated. With this White House appearance, Melania Trump sent a clear message to the public in an attempt to permanently put an end to speculation about her connection to one of the most notorious sexual offenders in recent American history.