Lawmakers rally behind Melania Trump after her Epstein denial speech
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Reactions poured in Thursday after First Lady Melania Trump made a rare on-camera statement strongly condemning allegations linking her to disgraced financier and convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
Speaking earlier in the day, Melania Trump said she was never friends with Epstein or his partner Ghislaine Maxwell, and insisted neither played any role in her meeting her husband, President Donald Trump.
“The lies that tie me to the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein must end today,” he said. “People who lie about me lack ethical standards, humility and respect. I do not dispute their ignorance, but rather reject their malicious attempts to tarnish my reputation.”
Some political figures quickly went on a public rally on social media in support of the First Lady, emphasizing that her name was never included in court documents related to Epstein.
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First Lady Melania Trump speaks to reporters in the Grand Foyer of the White House in Washington on Thursday, April 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Rep. Nancy Mace, R.S.C., a leading congressional voice calling for the release of the Epstein files, praised Melania with a photo about X. “Melania Trump stands with Epstein victims.”
He also applauded Melania for supporting legislation that criminalizes the sharing of fake intimate images of women.
“To our First Lady, thank you for being a voice for victims across the country, from her work on the Take It Down Act to her public defense of Jeffrey Epstein survivors to her calls for action and truth,” he said.
“The truth will prevail. When strong women stand up for what is right, America is strong.”
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Representative Nancy Mace speaks at a House Oversight Committee hearing on July 22: (Tierney L. Cross/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky. The person who pushed for the release of the documents through the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which he co-wrote with Rep. Ro Khanna, cited Melania’s efforts to bring survivors to testify before Congress and said leaders, including recently fired Attorney General Pam Bondi, should face consequences for their handling of the files.
“The First Lady is asking Congress to bring in Epstein survivors for testimony. I’m sorry, but that’s @DAGToddBlanche’s job!” he said.
“@RepRoKhanna and I have already given brave survivors a chance to tell their horrific stories on Capitol Hill. @PamBondi wouldn’t even acknowledge them. Prosecute!”
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Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene and Thomas Massie are seen during a meeting. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc; Drew Angerer/Getty Images via Getty Images)
Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., who was once a fierce Trump supporter before a public spat with the president. da X shared a post in line with Melania’s words.
“I am grateful to the First Lady for today’s bold statement about Epstein and his victims,” he said. “I agree with him that victims need to be heard. I also agree with Thomas Massie. The DOJ needs to prosecute!!! And the role of Congress is to legislate, not to prosecute.”
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First Lady Melania Trump said Thursday that while their social circles sometimes overlapped, she was never friends with Jeffrey Epstein. (Davidoff Studios/Getty Images)
Democrats also took to social media following his fiery words.
Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., called on House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., to schedule a public hearing “immediately.”
“We join First Lady Melania Trump’s call for a public hearing with Jeffrey Epstein survivors. We encourage Chairman Comer to respond to the First Lady’s request and immediately schedule a public hearing,” a post on X said.
Representative Robert Garcia speaks alongside other Democrats. (Getty)
He also called the first lady’s speech a significant moment and said her remarks brought renewed attention to an investigation that some critics argue has not gone far enough.
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“The First Lady said two things,” he said. “1) Acting AG Todd rebuffed efforts by Blanche and her husband to end this investigation. 2) He joined our efforts to call for a public hearing where survivors who choose to do so will have the opportunity to testify.”
