Melania Trump Calls for Epstein Congressional Hearing, Survivors Split on Proposal
First Lady Melania Trump said Thursday she was not friends with Jeffrey Epstein and called for Congress to hold hearings on his abuse cases. Survivors of Epstein's crimes have mixed reactions to her proposal.
First Lady Melania Trump made a rare public statement Thursday denying any friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. She also called on Congress to hold hearings focused on survivors of his abuse.
Epstein survivors are divided on her proposal. Some survivors, including Danielle Bensky and Annie Farmer, dismissed the first lady's call for public hearings. Relatives of the late Virginia Giuffre, including Sky and Amanda Roberts, also rejected the idea.
Other survivors expressed doubt about trusting the system. One advocate said some survivors "don't know if they can even feel that they can trust the system anymore."
The statement comes as past connections between the Trump family and Epstein remain under scrutiny. A New York Magazine article quoted now-President Trump calling Epstein a "terrific guy" and saying "he's a lot of fun to be with."
Members of Congress from both parties are rallying behind the first lady's call to action. The hearings would focus on survivors' experiences and potential reforms.
This could lead to new investigations into one of the biggest sex trafficking cases in recent history. The survivors' input will likely shape whether Congress moves forward with hearings.
Watch for congressional response to determine if hearings will be scheduled and which survivors will participate.
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