Melania Trump's televised address, in which she denied any meaningful connection to Jeffrey Epstein, appeared to catch many off guard.
President Donald Trump defended her decision to speak out, saying she was frustrated by media coverage and theories about her alleged links to Epstein.
Trump maintained that he was aware Melania planned to make a statement but did not know its contents in advance.
‘She finds it very insulting,' Trump told The New York Times, explaining why Melania chose to address the issue publicly.
He added that while he did not recommend the move, he supported her decision: ‘If you want to do it, you can do it.'
Trump also reiterated that Melania met him independently.
‘She didn’t meet me through Jeffrey Epstein,' he said, countering circulating speculation.
Melania firmly rejected any suggestion of a close association with Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell.
‘The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today,' she said, according to Associated Press, calling such claims ‘unfound and baseless.'
