First Lady Melania Trump has denied connections to Jeffrey Epstein, telling reporters at the White House that any claims linking the two need to end today.
In a surprise announcement on Thursday, the first lady called for congressional hearings for survivors of Epstein's sex trafficking.
She also denied online rumours that Epstein introduced her to Donald Trump, calling them mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation.
It is unclear what prompted the announcement.
The intervention has produced a mixed response from Epstein survivors. One survivor, Lisa Phillips, described the statement as a bold move but questioned what more the first lady could do to support Epstein's accusers.
There was no prior indication from her office that she would make a statement on Epstein, and the White House did not share the topic earlier when her remarks were put on its daily schedule.
Melania Trump said she had not been a victim of Epstein, with whom she only briefly crossed paths in 2000.
I have never had any knowledge of Epstein abuse of his victims, she said. I was never involved in any capacity. I was not a participant.
She also denied knowing Ghislaine Maxwell, the disgraced financier's jailed associate.
Melania Trump referred to a 2002 email between her and Maxwell released in the Epstein files, calling it nothing more than casual correspondence and a polite reply.
She emphasized the necessity of congressional hearings to provide victims a platform to present their testimonies under oath, stating that all women should have their opportunity to share their experiences publicly.
Several business leaders have faced public scrutiny and resignation due to their ties to Epstein, with Melania mentioning the need for transparency to uncover the truth.
The first lady's statement is likely to reignite intense public debate over the handling of the justice department's investigation into Epstein.
