First lady Melania Trump read a statement at the White House Thursday that denied ties to the late-financier Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, but acknowledged they ran in overlapping social circles in New York and Florida.

The comment comes amid online reports and accusations that the first lady personally knew of the sex offender's crimes, stating that such “stories are completely false."  

“The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today," Trump said. "The individuals lying about me are devoid of ethical standards, humility and respect. I do not object to their ignorance, but rather I reject their mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation."

Trump said she and her attorneys have fought the accusations that she was associated with Epstein and Maxwell, claiming that her response to an email from Maxwell was “casual correspondence," and she was being polite.

The first lady also urged Congress to hold a public hearing that centers on Epstein's survivors, so their stories can be logged into the congressional record.

“Give these victims the opportunity to testify under oath in front of Congress with the power of sworn testimony," she said. "Each and every woman should have a day to tell her story in public, if she wishes, and then her testimony should be permanently entered into the Congressional Record. Then and only then, you will have the truth.”

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.