First lady Melania Trump spoke out on Thursday, denying any links to trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
Among her comments was the denial that her name was mentioned in any documents.
"Be cautious about what you believe," she said. "These images and stories are completely false. I am not a witness or a named witness in connection with any of Epstein's crimes. My name has never appeared in court documents, [unintelligible] victim's statements, or FBI interviews surrounding the Epstein matter."
Technically speaking, she might be correct about those specific documents. However, Melania Trump is included in the files, which have not only photos of her but emails with her name too. A search shows her name 40 times in the searchable database hosted by the Justice Department website.
One email from Epstein to an undisclosed person sent an email of Mrs. Trump speaking to Russian TV. The email was sent on June 21, 2017. The video at that link is no longer available and says it was set to "private."
Epstein associate Richard Kahn emailed a New York Post article to Epstein in which an Oregon congressional candidate compared Mrs. Trump to a sex worker.
Epstein had played up his relationship with the Trumps, claiming that he introduced the Trumps to each other.
"Donald and I were invited to parties with Epstein from time to time," Melania Trump said.
She also recalled an event she and Donald attended together in 2000, with Epstein.
One of the more shocking comments was that Mrs. Trump called for accountability of the men who aided Epstein and she wants the survivors to be heard publicly.
"Now is the time for Congress to act," the first lady said. "Epstein was not alone. Several prominent male executives resigned from their powerful positions after this matter became widely politicized. Of course, this doesn't amount to guilt, but we still must work openly and transparently to uncover the truth. I call on Congress to provide the women who have been victimized by Epstein with a public hearing, specifically centered around the survivors. Give these victims their opportunity to testify under oath in front of Congress with the power of sworn testimony. Each and every woman should have her day to tell her story in public if she wishes, and then her testimony should be permanently entered into the congressional record. Then, and only then, we will have the truth. Thank you."
Lawyer Hal Carver commented that the details seemed odd, "Melania called a press conference to deny some alleged connection she had with Epstein. This could mean that Epstein actually had her before Taco. Also Barron? No one cares but taco and taco cares a great deal! She can’t deny ANY connection because she appeared in about a dozen photos with him."
Activist Tony Rummo rejected the idea that the women should be heard again, saying that their stories are already known to most Americans. "No we know their stories. Release the rest of the files hall Bondi’s a— in and then the truth will come out."
But the larger question was why now? Why would Mrs. Trump speak out randomly after years of being silent on the issue. Those speculating went wild with theories. Some wondered if it dealt with a forthcoming bombshell report or shocking documents that have been found. Others suggested that the war is going so badly that this was the only distraction the White House felt they could deploy.
"So who has the pending breaking news story on Melania?" asked national security lawyer Bradly P. Moss.
One person pointed out the odd timing of the statement, "You know the Iran war is not going well when they put Melania on TV to talk about Epstein."
Legal analyst Katie Phang agreed, "Melania choosing now to speak publicly about Jeffrey Epstein is interesting…"
Indeed, it was an observation by others. Mrs. Trump is currently in a lawsuit with biographer Michael Wolf, who has made allegations about her and Epstein.
"What time does the Melania/Epstein story land?" asked reporter Oliver Willis.
- YouTube www.youtube.com
