First Lady of the United States Melania Trump’s speech on the evening of April 9, Washington time, addressing the nation from the White House regarding the Epstein scandal was unexpected for many.
Medianews.az reports that currently the US media is puzzling over the motives behind her speech. A clear argument about the reason for Melania Trump's speech has not yet been established. Even experienced journalists from media outlets close to President Donald Trump find it difficult to explain why the First Lady addressed this issue. Interestingly, Melania Trump's speech coincided with a time when her husband was already urging the public to move away from this topic.
Jacqueline Heinrich, the chief White House correspondent for the Fox News channel, known as a staunch Trump propagandist, stated that she and her team do not know the reason for the speech: "We are trying to understand why Melania Trump felt the need to make such a statement now. Perhaps she reacted to an issue circulating in the media that troubled her, or she wanted to preemptively address an unrevealed piece of news?.. Her speech was completely unexpected for us."
The journalist added that despite attempts to contact various sources, including the president himself, she received no response.
The "New York Post" also drew attention to the issue, noting that the reason why Melania Trump made such a statement precisely now is unknown. The newspaper wrote that it is intriguing that while the White House is trying to mitigate the negative impact of the Epstein scandal on Donald Trump, the First Lady has brought the topic back into the public agenda.
Recall that Jeffrey Epstein (1953-2019) was an American financier and investor, but his name is more widely known worldwide due to scandalous criminal cases involving the sexual exploitation of underage girls.
In the 1970s and 1980s, he worked as an investment advisor in the US, accumulating great wealth by working with wealthy clients. Among Epstein’s clients and contacts were politicians, businessmen, and other celebrities.
In 2005, Epstein was investigated in Florida for sexual abuse of underage girls. In 2008, he reached a controversial deal with prosecutors, escaping more severe federal charges and receiving a 13-month prison sentence. This agreement caused significant public outrage in the US.
In July 2019, he was arrested again in New York. Epstein faced federal charges related to human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of minors. On August 10, 2019, Epstein's body was found in the Manhattan jail where he was held. The official version states that he committed suicide. However, the circumstances of his death and prison supervision sparked numerous questions and conspiracy theories in public discourse.
In January 2026, the US Department of Justice released millions of documents, numerous photos, and videos known collectively as the "Epstein files." This case resonated politically and socially, especially in the US and the United Kingdom, due to the involvement of high-profile individuals.
Investigation materials and court documents related to Epstein’s activities and connections are still being gradually disclosed, and discussions about the full scope of the case continue.
On April 9, 2026, First Lady Melania Trump, in her speech from the White House, declared that the lies linking her to the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein must end.
Melania Trump then said:
"Those who spread these lies about me have neither ethics, sincerity, nor respect and dignity. I do not protest their ignorance, but I firmly reject their deceitful attempts to undermine my reputation. I have never been friends with Epstein. Donald and I were sometimes invited to the same events as Epstein, but overlapping social circles in New York and Palm Beach are common.
I unequivocally declare that I have had no relationship with Epstein, nor with his associate Maxwell. The reply I wrote by email to Maxwell can only be considered a normal correspondence. That polite response of mine consists only of a completely insignificant note.
I am not a victim of Epstein. Epstein was not introduced to me by Donald Trump. I met my future husband by chance at an event in New York in 1998. I described this first meeting in detail in my book “Melania.”
I first encountered Epstein in 2000 at an event I attended together with Donald. At that time, I did not know him and had no information about his criminal activities. For years, many fake pictures and information about my connection with Epstein have been circulating on social media.
Be careful what you believe. Those pictures and stories are pure lies. I am not a witness to any crime related to Epstein. I am not among those called as witnesses in investigating those crimes. My name has never appeared in court documents, testimonies, victims’ statements, or FBI announcements concerning this case. I have never had any knowledge of Epstein’s abuses against his victims.I have never been involved in this matter in any way. I have never flown on his plane, nor have I ever been to his island.
I have never been officially charged regarding Epstein’s crimes—human trafficking, abuses against minors, and other such disgusting acts—and I have never been tried in this matter. The lies spread by hostile individuals or political entities to tarnish my name and gain financial and political dividends must stop.
Together with my lawyers, I have successfully fought these baseless fabrications and will continue to protect my reputation without hesitation. To date, several individuals and companies, including the publication “Daily Beast,” Democratic Party member James Carville, and the publisher “HarperCollins UK” have been forced to apologize in court and retract the lies they told about me.
Now it is time for Congress to act. Epstein was not alone. After broad politicization of this matter, several influential men resigned from the leadership positions they held. Of course, this does not prove their guilt, but still, we must work openly and transparently to uncover the truth.
I call on Congress to organize open hearings so that the women harmed by Epstein—especially the survivors—can be heard. Allow the surviving victims to testify under oath before Congress. Let any woman who wishes speak publicly about the experiences she faced, and have their testimonies permanently preserved in the Congressional archives. Only then can we know what the truth is."