Melania Trump Demands Epstein Victims Testify Before Congress, Oversight Committee Agrees—But Survivors Push Back

Melania Trump’s rare public statement on the Jeffrey Epstein scandal has stirred both support and skepticism. On Thursday, the First Lady called for a congressional hearing where Epstein’s victims could testify under oath, urging that their testimonies be permanently entered into the Congressional Record.

“I have never had any knowledge of Epstein’s abuse of his victims,” Melania declared, distancing herself from the disgraced billionaire pedophile and sex trafficker. “Each and every woman should have her day to tell her story in public, if she wishes.”

Her call was quickly echoed by Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.), who told Fox News that hearings with Epstein’s victims have long been planned once depositions conclude. “I agree with the First Lady. We will have hearings,” Comer said, noting some victims are willing to testify while others are understandably reluctant.

Democrats also responded, with Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) demanding Melania herself testify about what she knows regarding Epstein’s network. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), a survivor and vocal critic of the Trump administration’s handling of the case, praised Melania for standing up for victims.

But the reaction from many survivors was far less warm. A coalition of Epstein victims blasted Melania’s call as a political maneuver that places the burden back on survivors under “politicized conditions” that shield those in power, including the Department of Justice and the Trump administration. They pointed to the ongoing failure to fully comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a law signed by President Trump requiring the release of all case files, many of which remain redacted or withheld.

“Survivors have done their part. Now it’s time for those in power to do theirs,” their statement read.

Epstein survivor Marina Lacerda questioned Melania’s motives, suggesting on Instagram that the First Lady’s remarks were an attempt to divert attention from other issues.

Adding fuel to the fire, author Michael Wolff—embroiled in a legal battle with Melania Trump—speculated without evidence that the First Lady harbors resentment toward President Trump for dragging her into the Epstein controversy. Wolff hinted that Melania might even want Congress to investigate her husband.

The timing of Melania’s statement is notable. Her senior adviser said she was simply “tired of the lies,” yet critics see it as an effort to deflect scrutiny from the president, who was friends with Epstein in the early 2000s. Trump has denied any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes and distanced himself from Epstein before his wedding to Melania.

As congressional investigations loom, and with Democrats potentially gaining control of Congress, the Epstein case remains a volatile flashpoint. Melania’s intervention adds a new twist—but survivors and advocates warn that true accountability depends on those in power doing their part, not just putting victims on display.