The first lady's surprise statement about Jeffrey Epstein revives a sensitive issue, that President Donald Trump has sought to downplay.

The White House declined to comment on the timing of a statement that seems likely to once more focus attention on the Epstein case.

Read the full transcript of first lady Melania Trump's statement of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

First lady Melania Trump held a rare news conference to rebut allegations that she had a close relationship with convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell.

U.S. first lady Melania Trump delivers remarks regarding the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein from the Grand Foyer of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S.,. REUTERS/Evan Vucci WASHINGTON,

Melania Trump said she had no relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. In two emails, they appear to discuss meeting.

First lady Melania Trump has delivered a statement at White House denying ties to Jeffrey Epstein and knowledge of his crimes

First ⁠lady Melania ⁠Trump on Thursday denied ​ever having a relationship with ‌disgraced financier Jeffrey ‌Epstein and ⁠said ⁠the claims about it are defaming her. "The ​lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need ​to end today,