US4 min(s) read
Published 10:32 10 Apr 2026 GMT
Melania Trump shocked Americans with a surprise White House address on Thursday (April 9), where she spoke about her alleged links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
She took to the Grand Foyer of the White House to speak to the nation, unequivocally denying that she was a victim of Epstein's.
Donald Trump also admitted that he was blindsided by his wife's statement, admitting that he "didn't know anything about" Melania's public statement prior to it taking place.
Americans were confused by the timing of her statement, given that no new information has recently come to light on the subject, though Trump claimed to a reporter that Melania "didn't know [Epstein]".
An email from Melania to convicted child sex trafficker Ghislane Maxwell was found in the infamous Epstein files, though POTUS claimed that it "cannot be categorized as anything more than casual correspondence.”
Now though, a body language expert has highlighted two key words which she said in her address.
Judi James, a TV body language expert and author, told the Express that FLOTUS' greeting when she entered the Hall was notable in making her intentions clear.
As she began her statement, James noted: "She addresses the room with a steady gaze and a squared jaw for her 'Good afternoon' unsmiling greeting,
"Her choice of words suggests anger and authority. She refers to "disgraceful" Epstein and a "devoid of respect" approach."
Throughout the address, Melania, 55, can be seen constantly looking down at her notes, instead of into the camera.
She clarified that she had met Epstein in 2000 and was unaware of his crimes, before taking no questions and walking away from the podium.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, the First Lady's exclusive senior advisor, Marc Beckman, said: "First Lady Melania Trump spoke out now because enough is enough. The lies must stop.
"It is time for the public and media to focus on her incredible achievements as First Lady, the lives she has positively impacted, and her commitment to our nation."
Melania said that despite some claims in the media, the disgraced financier did not introduce her to Donald Trump.
Confusion circulated online though, as there weren't any new revelations or reports claiming to link the First Lady to Epstein.
FLOTUS said that there were "fake images and statements" which had linked her to Epstein in recent times, urging viewers to "be cautious about what you believe."
"These images and stories are completely false. I'm not a witness or unnamed witness in connection with any of Epstein's crimes," she stated.
Melania went on: "The false smears about me from mean-spirited and politically motivated individuals and entities looking to cause damage to my good name to gain financially and climb politically must stop."
She then surprisingly called on Congress to take action, saying: "I call on Congress to provide the women who have been victimized by Epstein with a public hearing specifically centered around the survivors."
The First Lady had also addressed an email which she sent to Maxwell, that was described as "casual correspondence."
"My polite reply to her email doesn't amount to anything more than a trivial note," she added.
The October 2002 email said: "Dear G! How are you? Nice story about JE in NY mag. You look great on the picture.
"I know you are very busy flying all over the world. How was Palm Beach? I cannot wait to go down. Give me a call when you are back in NY. Have a great time!
"Love, Melania."
Earlier in her statement, Melania clarified that she and POTUS only saw Epstein in the New York-Palm Beach social set in a "common" overlap.
