The First Lady of the US, Melania Trump, unexpectedly addressed the public to deny any connection to Jeffrey Epstein, but her statement had the opposite effect - instead of closing the topic, it brought it back to the center of attention.

"I am not a victim of Epstein. Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump", Melania stated, explaining that she and her then-partner occasionally encountered Epstein in New York and Florida social circles.

"The lies connecting me to the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein must end today", the First Lady declared, although she did not specify which particular accusations she was referring to.

The timing of the address proved problematic. Trump spoke from the Cross Hall of the White House - the same location from which her husband recently spoke about the conflict with Iran - during a period when the administration is politically vulnerable.

Groups representing Epstein survivors accused the First Lady of deflecting responsibility from the federal agencies that should be investigating the case. Democratic lawmakers demanded that she testify before Congress, which could potentially trigger a major clash between the White House and Capitol Hill.