{"id":1874450,"date":"2026-04-09T19:17:22","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T16:17:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1874450"},"modified":"2026-04-09T19:17:22","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T16:17:22","slug":"us-first-lady-melania-trump-says-i-was-not-a-participant-in-epstein-sexual-abuse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1874450","title":{"rendered":"US First Lady Melania Trump says &#8216;I was not a participant&#8217; in Epstein sexual abuse"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/55\/1200x675_cmsv2_6f871e3f-57a0-5a77-9be8-0d71a761f94d-9716555.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2885039-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2885039\" data-cid=\"9716569\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885039-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/69\/189x106_cmsv2_42937e4f-a429-50e6-a601-4d4b91273399-9716569.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A rescue worker walks in front of residential building which was heavily damaged after a Russian strike in Odesa, 6 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Ukraine<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Putin announces Orthodox Easter ceasefire with Ukraine, Kremlin says\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885029-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2885029\" data-cid=\"9716534\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885029-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/34\/189x106_cmsv2_b263888a-a509-5439-8f43-0f569b9a7dfc-9716534.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Police stop protesters who are demanding higher salaries, pensions and benefits from continuing their march in Caracas, 9 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Venezuela<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Venezuela police use tear gas against protesters demanding pay rises\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885024-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2885024\" data-cid=\"9716517\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885024-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/17\/189x106_cmsv2_4ded0313-f1c0-5a07-bcad-5dcdf77d6b4f-9716517.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A giant Vietnamese national flag is displayed outside a balcony in the old quarter of Hanoi, 30 August, 2025\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Netherlands<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU police smash ring smuggling Vietnamese nationals to Europe\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885016-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2885016\" data-cid=\"9716496\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885016-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/64\/96\/189x106_cmsv2_e9867e56-d7c2-54f0-b6b0-86d365e16f10-9716496.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Medical workers of the first Cuban medical brigade of the Henry Reeve Contingent at the Jose Marti International Airport in Havana, 8 June, 2020\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Cuba<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Cuba accuses US of &#8216;extorting&#8217; Latin America in row over doctors\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885039-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2885039\" data-cid=\"9716569\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885039-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/69\/189x106_cmsv2_42937e4f-a429-50e6-a601-4d4b91273399-9716569.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A rescue worker walks in front of residential building which was heavily damaged after a Russian strike in Odesa, 6 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Ukraine<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Putin announces Orthodox Easter ceasefire with Ukraine, Kremlin says\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885029-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2885029\" data-cid=\"9716534\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885029-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/34\/189x106_cmsv2_b263888a-a509-5439-8f43-0f569b9a7dfc-9716534.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Police stop protesters who are demanding higher salaries, pensions and benefits from continuing their march in Caracas, 9 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Venezuela<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Venezuela police use tear gas against protesters demanding pay rises\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885024-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2885024\" data-cid=\"9716517\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885024-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/17\/189x106_cmsv2_4ded0313-f1c0-5a07-bcad-5dcdf77d6b4f-9716517.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A giant Vietnamese national flag is displayed outside a balcony in the old quarter of Hanoi, 30 August, 2025\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Netherlands<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU police smash ring smuggling Vietnamese nationals to Europe\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885016-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2885016\" data-cid=\"9716496\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885016-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/64\/96\/189x106_cmsv2_e9867e56-d7c2-54f0-b6b0-86d365e16f10-9716496.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Medical workers of the first Cuban medical brigade of the Henry Reeve Contingent at the Jose Marti International Airport in Havana, 8 June, 2020\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Cuba<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Cuba accuses US of &#8216;extorting&#8217; Latin America in row over doctors\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          News<\/p>\n<p>                          World<\/p>\n<p>                          USA<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            US First Lady Melania Trump says &#8216;I was not a participant&#8217; in Epstein sexual abuse<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/55\/1536x864_cmsv2_6f871e3f-57a0-5a77-9be8-0d71a761f94d-9716555.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"US First Lady Melania Trump arrives to speak with reporters in the Grand Foyer of the White House, 9 April, 2026\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              US First Lady Melania Trump arrives to speak with reporters in the Grand Foyer of the White House, 9 April, 2026<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">AP Photo<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0AP Photo\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspGavin Blackburn\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1775762242\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-04-09 21:17:22 +02:00\">09\/04\/2026 &#8211; 21:17 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center 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decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"telegram\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"vk\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>VK<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"vk\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"bluesky\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Bluesky<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"bluesky\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        Epstein died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges involving minors, but the scandal has repeatedly overshadowed Trump&#8217;s second presidency.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>US First Lady Melania Trump made a surprise on-camera statement on Thursday denying unspecified allegations about her and Jeffrey Epstein, a scandal that her husband President Donald Trump has long downplayed.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The 55-year-old former model&#8217;s remarks at the White House came without prior announcement and with no explanation for why she would bring up the late sex offender Epstein now.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today,&#8221; she said. &#8220;The individuals lying about me are devoid of ethical standards, humility and respect.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The Slovenian-born first lady gave a categorical denial of any ties to Epstein, with whom her and her husband had previously been photographed on the New York social scene.<\/p>\n<p>She said &#8220;fake images and statements about Epstein and me&#8221; had been circulating on social media &#8220;for years now. Be cautious about what you believe: these images and stories are completely false.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6665\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/55\/808x539_cmsv2_43676b3d-41fc-5d6d-80b0-698f32c3a2c0-9716555.jpg\" alt=\"A document that was included in the US Department of Justice release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, 10 February, 2026\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">A document that was included in the US Department of Justice release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, 10 February, 2026<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AP Photo<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The statement will serve to reignite the Epstein scandal just as media attention starts to turn away from Trump&#8217;s war in Iran.<\/p>\n<p>Epstein died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges involving minors, but the scandal has repeatedly overshadowed Trump&#8217;s second presidency.<\/p>\n<p>The US Justice Department has over the past year released huge tranches of files related to Epstein. The president has also denied any link to Epstein&#8217;s crimes.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I have never had any knowledge of Epstein&#8217;s abuse of his victims. I was never involved in any capacity. I was not a participant. Was never on Epstein&#8217;s plane, and never visited his private island,&#8221; Melania Trump said.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id data-event=\"widget_related\">\n<div class=\"c-widget-related__title\"><b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b><\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Norway police search former PM Thorbj\u00f8rn Jagland&#8217;s properties in Epstein links probe<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">UK to release Mountbatten-Windsor trade envoy files after Epstein scandal and arrest<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;I have never been legally accused or convinced of a crime in connection with Epstein sex trafficking, abuse of minors and other repulsive behaviour.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The first lady also urged Congress to hold a public hearing for survivors of Epstein&#8217;s abuse to &#8220;give these victims their opportunity to testify under oath.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<footer class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-contributors c-article-contributors-supplementary u-margin-top-2 u-padding-top-2\">\n<p>Additional sources<strong> \u2022 AFP<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<p>                          Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Do the Epstein files show he was working for Russia or another intelligence agency?<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Hillary Clinton tells panel she had no knowledge of Epstein crimes and calls on Trump to testify<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Davos forum chief Brende steps down after WEF probes Epstein links<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    Donald Trump<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    Jeffrey Epstein<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    United States <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    Melania Trump<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    Sexual Abuse<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    White House<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2885002-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885002\" data-cid=\"9716433\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885002-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/64\/33\/320x180_cmsv2_c6f574ce-cceb-5319-bc2f-47a7a149bcac-9716433.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Men inspect the damage to their home destroyed in an Israeli airstrike a day earlier in Beirut, 9 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Israel&#8217;s cabinet told &#8216;to begin direct negotiations&#8217; with Lebanon<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2884975-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884975\" data-cid=\"9716233\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884975-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/62\/33\/320x180_cmsv2_a9d37949-c539-5b43-88c7-afe577024bdf-9716233.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt='Donald Trump has pitched a \"joint venture\" for the Strait of Hormuz.' height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU rejects Trump&#8217;s &#8216;joint venture&#8217; to charge ships through Hormuz<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2885039-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885039\" data-cid=\"9716569\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885039-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/69\/320x180_cmsv2_42937e4f-a429-50e6-a601-4d4b91273399-9716569.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A rescue worker walks in front of residential building which was heavily damaged after a Russian strike in Odesa, 6 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Putin announces Orthodox Easter ceasefire with Ukraine, Kremlin says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2885029-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885029\" data-cid=\"9716534\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885029-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" 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src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/17\/320x180_cmsv2_4ded0313-f1c0-5a07-bcad-5dcdf77d6b4f-9716517.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A giant Vietnamese national flag is displayed outside a balcony in the old quarter of Hanoi, 30 August, 2025\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU police smash ring smuggling Vietnamese nationals to Europe<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-2\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-most-viewed\">\n<h2 class=\"c-most-viewed__title qa-section-title\">Most read<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__list\">\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2884572-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884572\" data-cid=\"9714163\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Undertourism: The European countries hardly any tourists visit<br \/>\n  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Closing Strait of Hormuz &#8216;completely unacceptable,&#8217; White House says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2884839-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884839\" data-cid=\"9715503\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;Infantile name calling&#8217;: George Clooney responds to White House slur<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">5<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2884625-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884625\" data-cid=\"9714403\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Space centres and launch sites around the globe you can visit<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-3\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885002-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885002\" data-cid=\"9716433\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885002-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/64\/33\/320x180_cmsv2_c6f574ce-cceb-5319-bc2f-47a7a149bcac-9716433.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Men inspect the damage to their home destroyed in an Israeli airstrike a day earlier in Beirut, 9 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Israel&#8217;s cabinet told &#8216;to begin direct negotiations&#8217; with Lebanon<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884975-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884975\" data-cid=\"9716233\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884975-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/62\/33\/320x180_cmsv2_a9d37949-c539-5b43-88c7-afe577024bdf-9716233.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt='Donald Trump has pitched a \"joint venture\" for the Strait of Hormuz.' height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU rejects Trump&#8217;s &#8216;joint venture&#8217; to charge ships through Hormuz<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885039-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885039\" data-cid=\"9716569\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885039-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/69\/320x180_cmsv2_42937e4f-a429-50e6-a601-4d4b91273399-9716569.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A rescue worker walks in front of residential building which was heavily damaged after a Russian strike in Odesa, 6 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Putin announces Orthodox Easter ceasefire with Ukraine, Kremlin says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885029-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885029\" data-cid=\"9716534\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885029-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/34\/320x180_cmsv2_b263888a-a509-5439-8f43-0f569b9a7dfc-9716534.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Police stop protesters who are demanding higher salaries, pensions and benefits from continuing their march in Caracas, 9 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Venezuela police use tear gas against protesters demanding pay rises<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885024-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885024\" data-cid=\"9716517\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885024-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img 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id=\"abe-2884568-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884568\" data-cid=\"9714135\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Viral dead air: Artemis II astronauts give Trump the silent treatment<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884726-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884726\" data-cid=\"9715052\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Closing Strait of Hormuz &#8216;completely unacceptable,&#8217; White House says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884839-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884839\" data-cid=\"9715503\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;Infantile name calling&#8217;: George Clooney responds to White House slur<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884625-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884625\" data-cid=\"9714403\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Space centres and launch sites around the globe you can visit<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">US First Lady Melania Trump made a surprise on-camera statement on Thursday denying unspecified allegations about her and Jeffrey Epstein, a scandal that her husband President Donald Trump has long downplayed.The 55-year-old former model&#8217;s remarks at the White House came without prior announcement and with no explanation for why she would bring up the late sex offender Epstein now.&#8221;The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today,&#8221; she said. &#8220;The individuals lying about me are devoid of ethical standards, humility and respect.&#8221;The Slovenian-born first lady gave a categorical denial of any ties to Epstein, with whom her and her husband had previously been photographed on the New York social scene.She said &#8220;fake images and statements about Epstein and me&#8221; had been circulating on social media &#8220;for years now. Be cautious about what you believe: these images and stories are completely false.&#8221;The statement will serve to reignite the Epstein scandal just as media attention starts to turn away from Trump&#8217;s war in Iran.Epstein died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges involving minors, but the scandal has repeatedly overshadowed Trump&#8217;s second presidency.The US Justice Department has over the past year released huge tranches of files related to Epstein. The president has also denied any link to Epstein&#8217;s crimes.&#8221;I have never had any knowledge of Epstein&#8217;s abuse of his victims. I was never involved in any capacity. I was not a participant. Was never on Epstein&#8217;s plane, and never visited his private island,&#8221; Melania Trump said.&#8221;I have never been legally accused or convinced of a crime in connection with Epstein sex trafficking, abuse of minors and other repulsive behaviour.&#8221;The first lady also urged Congress to hold a public hearing for survivors of Epstein&#8217;s abuse to &#8220;give these victims their opportunity to testify under oath.&#8221;<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2026\/04\/09\/us-first-lady-melania-trump-says-i-was-not-a-participant-in-epstein-sexual-abuse&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/55\/1200x675_cmsv2_6f871e3f-57a0-5a77-9be8-0d71a761f94d-9716555.jpg&#8221;] Ukraine Putin announces Orthodox Easter ceasefire with Ukraine, Kremlin says Venezuela Venezuela police use tear gas against protesters demanding pay rises Netherlands EU police smash ring smuggling Vietnamese nationals to Europe Cuba Cuba accuses US of &#8216;extorting&#8217; Latin America in row over doctors Ukraine Putin announces Orthodox Easter ceasefire with Ukraine, Kremlin [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-1874450","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1874450","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1874450"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1874450\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1874450"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1874450"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1874450"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}