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Why Melania Trump is denying alleged smears related to Jeffrey Epstein–and wants victims to testify

Reporters were told the first lady would make remarks but were not given the subject matter in advance

By Howard Kurtz Fox News

Published April 10, 2026 3:00am EDT

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Melania Trump addresses speculation, 'smears' and 'baseless lies' about alleged association with Jeffrey Epstein

First lady Melania Trump shreds those 'lying' about her and calls out 'smears' about alleged ties to Epstein.

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It was, and I don't say this lightly, a jaw-dropping moment. 

I'm sitting here with the TV on and all of a sudden there's a live shot of Melania Trump, reading a speech at the White House. 

A speech about Jeffrey Epstein. A speech about how she's being smeared in connection with the late pedophile. 

None of the journalists knew what to say. The first lady, talking about Epstein. Reporters were told she would be making remarks, but not the subject matter. Only that it would be newsy.

EPSTEIN'S LAWYER 'NOT AWARE' OF ANY RELATIONSHIP TRUMP HAD WITH LATE CONVICTED SEX OFFENDER, COMER SAYS

First lady Melania Trump speaks to reporters Thursday, April 9, 2026, in the Grand Foyer of the White House in Washington.  (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

"I never had a relationship with Epstein or his accomplice, [Ghislaine] Maxwell. My email reply to Maxwell cannot be categorized as anything more than casual correspondence. My polite reply to her email doesn't amount to anything more than a travel note. I am not Epstein's victim. Epstein did not introduce me to........

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