Melania Trump’s speech brings Epstein scandal back into the spotlight. Six hours ago. Nada Tawfik, correspondent for New York. When Melania Trump approached the White House podium on Thursday—mere days after President Donald Trump had delivered his national address on Iran from the same spot—nothing hinted at the stunning spectacle about to unfold. Curiosity was in the air, sure, but no one anticipated it would become essential viewing. Even officials closest to the administration received no advance notice of the topic. Surrounded by US flags, her opening sentence stunned the audience. The lies associating me with the disgraced Jeffrey Epstein must stop today. With those words, the Epstein crisis that had troubled the president was once again thrust into the spotlight, courtesy of his wife. US cable networks instantly shifted from their Iran coverage due to the unfolding drama’s severity. The first lady has consistently kept a low profile, carefully choosing her limited public appearances. She lacks her husband’s flair for the dramatic—or his urge to shock and awe the press. Reading from a prepared statement, she said she never had a relationship with Epstein or Maxwell, was not introduced to her husband by Epstein, and was unaware of Epstein’s crimes.
