Melania Trump blasts ‘lies’ linking her to Epstein

US First Lady Melania Trump made a surprise statement on Thursday denying any knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse, or that she herself was a victim of the convicted sex offender.

The 55-year-old’s rare on-camera remarks at the White House came out of the blue, in an extraordinary intervention in a scandal that has long haunted her husband President Donald Trump.

“The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today,” she said. “The individuals lying about me are devoid of ethical standards, humility and respect.”

It was not clear why the Slovenian-born former model decided to give the public statement, and she did not detail any specific allegations about her and the late, convicted sex offender.

Melania and Donald Trump had previously been photographed with Epstein, but she said that she had met her husband independently two years prior to meeting Epstein.

“I am not Epstein’s victim. Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump,” Melania Trump said.

She said “fake images and statements about Epstein and me” had been circulating on social media “for years now. Be cautious about what you believe: these images and stories are completely false.”

The first lady also urged Congress to hold a public hearing for survivors of Epstein’s abuse to “give these victims their opportunity to testify under oath.”

But some Epstein survivors and their families, including the brother of Epstein’s main accuser Virginia Giuffre, called the speech a “deflection of responsibility.”

“First Lady Melania Trump is now shifting the burden onto survivors under political conditions that protect those with power” including “the Trump Administration, which has still not fully complied with the Epstein Files Transparency Act,” according to a joint statement posted on social media.

Two of Epstein’s accusers, sisters Maria and Annie Farmer told US media in a separate statement: “We can’t speak for other survivors, but what we want is accountability, transparency and justice.”

The sisters called for the release of “the remaining records held by the Department of Justice including my complete FBI records from 1996.”

Epstein died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges involving minors, but the scandal has repeatedly overshadowed Trump’s second presidency.

Parents have been advised to adopt simple, creative activities to keep toddlers engaged during the summer holidays, as experts warn that boredom and inactivity can affect children’s development and behavior.

The advice follows concerns that many parents struggle to manage toddlers’ high energy and curiosity when schools are closed and outdoor play becomes limited due to harsh weather conditions.

Child development specialists noted that engaging toddlers in playful, home-based activities not only keeps them occupied but also supports their mental, physical and emotional growth during the holiday period.

Among the recommended activities is water play, which involves allowing children to interact with water
using cups, spoons and toys, a method said to improve motor skills and coordination while keeping them cool and entertained.

Experts also noted coloring, storytelling and building blocks as effective ways to boost creativity, focus and imagination, stressing that such activities encourage children to express themselves and gradually improve their attention span.

Other suggested activities include indoor obstacle courses, pretend play, music and dance sessions, as well as simple sorting games, all of which help toddlers develop physical strength, communication abilities and problem-solving skills.

They emphasized that play remains a critical tool for early childhood development, stressing that toddlers learn more effectively through interactive and enjoyable experiences than through formal teaching methods, as it enhances brain development, language acquisition, social skills and creativity.

Artificial intelligence is steadily moving beyond software applications into the physical side of business operations, as companies in food production and logistics increasingly deploy data-driven systems to support real-time decision-making. The shift is evident in the latest strategy unveiled by The Hershey
Company during its Investor Day, where the firm outlined plans to embed AI across its operations, from sourcing analytics to plant automation and product fulfilment.

According to the company, the initiative will focus on improving how the business runs behind
the scenes, with AI guiding decisions on procurement and distribution to build “a faster, smarter
and more resilient supply chain powered by automation and AI-enabled decision making.”
Hershey noted that supply chains in the food and snack sector remain under constant pressure due to fluctuating costs, seasonal demand, and retailer expectations for timely and accurate deliveries.

To address these challenges, the company said its digital planning tools would integrate various aspects of the business, helping to reduce waste, optimize inventory levels, and improve service delivery through better data connectivity across the supply chain. Central to the strategy is what Hershey described as “AI-enabled decision-making,” which seeks to link sourcing and delivery systems more closely while deploying automated fulfilment technologies to improve speed to market and handle customized product assortments.

The company also disclosed plans to expand automation within its manufacturing plants, using AI to enhance efficiency and embed intelligence directly into production systems rather than treating it as a separate analytical tool. Industry analysts say the approach reflects a broader trend in which firms are moving from limited AI pilot projects to full-scale integration across core business functions, particularly in sectors reliant on physical goods.

Food manufacturers, including Hershey, continue to grapple with volatile input costs for commodities such as cocoa and sugar, which are influenced by weather conditions, trade dynamics, and supply disruptions, making responsive and data-driven systems increasingly critical. Chief Executive Officer Kirk Tanner said the company’s direction is anchored on growth and execution, noting that the strategy positions Hershey to respond faster to market changes while strengthening operational performance.