Speaking in the Cross Hall of the White House in Washington, Donald Trump’s wife and the US First Lady Melania Trump said: “To be clear, I never had relations with Epstein or his accomplice Maxwell. I was never friends with Epstein. Donald and I were invited to the same parties as Epstein from time to time. Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump. I met my husband by chance.” She added: “I call on Congress to provide the women who have been victimized by Epstein with a public hearing specifically centered around the survivors.” The bombshell statement was totally unexpected, as there had not been any recent revelations linking her to Epstein, who committed suicide while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges in August 2019.

Mrs Trump told the packed room: “I am not Esptein’s victim,’ she stated. ‘I am not Epstein’s victim. Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump. I met my husband by chance at a New York City party in 1998.”

Donald Trump’s wife added she had seen “fake images and statements” linking her to the disgraced financier on social media for several years, while urging viewers to “be cautious about what you believe.”

She continued: “These images and stories are completely false. I’m not a witness or unnamed witness in connection with any of Epstein’s crimes.

“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 climbed politically must stop.

“Baseless lies with success and continue to maintain my sound reputation without hesitation.”

Mrs Trump also called on Congress to hold hearings with victims of Epstein’s abuse.

She said: “I call on Congress to provide the women who have been victimized by Epstein with a public hearing specifically centered around the survivors.”

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