First Lady Melania Trump has been the subject of persistent rumors linking her to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, fueled by allegations and controversial claims from various sources.
However, Melania and her legal team have consistently and aggressively denied these accusations, labeling them false and defamatory. The White House has taken a firm stance against such rumors, with Melania's attorneys pursuing legal actions against entities and individuals spreading what they call misinformation involving her connection to Epstein.
Reports have circulated suggesting that Melania was introduced to Donald Trump through Epstein’s social circle, with some accounts by Trump biographer Michael Wolff claiming she was "very involved" in Epstein's network and was reportedly introduced to Trump via a modeling agent connected to both Epstein and Trump. Wolff's allegations include claims that Epstein "knew her well" and that the introduction occurred within that shared social milieu. However, these claims have been contested, with Melania publicly denying any Epstein involvement in how she met Trump.
The controversy around Melania escalated when Hunter Biden alleged that Epstein was responsible for introducing Melania to Donald Trump, claims that Melania's legal team called "untrue, derogatory, defamatory, and incendiary." Biden stood by his statements despite facing threats of legal action for over $1 billion in damages. The situation amplified tensions between Melania Trump and Hunter Biden, with the first lady’s legal representatives seeking retractions and apologies to protect her reputation.
Further complicating the narrative, Michael Wolff's recordings leaked to the public presented Epstein making various controversial claims about Donald Trump and his relationships, including an assertion that Trump first slept with Melania aboard Epstein’s notorious private jet, the "Lolita Express." These recordings have not been independently verified and are part of a broader and contentious public discussion regarding Epstein's influence and his network's connections.