CNN shocked as Melania Trump gives public statement on Jeffrey Epstein

First lady Melania Trump delivered her first public statement addressing Jeffrey Epstein on Thursday, departing sharply from the Trump administration's push to move past the scandal.

Breaking her typical silence, Melania defended herself against unverified social media claims linking her to Epstein, stating they had interacted socially at parties.

Notably, she called on Congress to hold open hearings allowing Epstein survivors and victims to testify under oath, a direct contradiction to President Donald Trump and former Attorney General Pam Bondi's messaging that Americans want to move on.

A CNN anchor and correspondent noted the "stunning" and "extraordinary" timing, occurring as the administration attempts to shift focus to the Iran war. Melania criticized individuals and companies for spreading claims about her, naming the Daily Beast, James Carville, and Harper Collins UK as having issued retractions. Her statement effectively re-injected Epstein into the national conversation.

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