Melania Trump is pushing back against what she described as “mean-spirited attempts” by “individuals lying” about her connection with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

Almost 24 years ago, someone named “Melania” sent an email to Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted child sex offender who is serving a 20-year prison term for her work with the late Jeffrey Epstein.

“Dear GI, How are you? Nice story about JE in NY mag. You look great on the picture, Melania,” wrote Melania in the Oct. 23, 2002, message, according to records included in a large collection of Epstein-related documents released by the Department of Justice (DOJ) after lawmakers pressed for the files to be made public.

“I know you are very busy flying all over the world. How was Palm Beach? I cannot wait to go down. Give me a call when you are back in NY. Have a great time! Love, Melania.”

Names in the document were redacted, even as the DOJ said it was trying to be as transparent as possible in releasing non-victim material.

‘Sweat pea’

Then came a reply, dated Jan. 1, 2003, from someone identified as “G. Max,” which added another layer to the resurfaced exchange.

“Sweet pea – thanks for your message. Actually plans changed again and I am now on my way back to NY,” the response said.

“I leave again on Fri so I still do not think I have time to see you sadly. I will try and call though. Keep well.”

That exchange, along with a photo that has circulated for years showing Melania, Donald Trump, Epstein and Maxwell together, helped drive a new wave of scrutiny.

Responding to the claims, Melania Trump defended herself in a White House address, insisting that she was “not Epstein’s victim,” and “never had a relationship with Epstein or his accomplice, Maxwell.”

‘First time I crossed paths with Epstein’

Rather than leave the public to fill in the gaps, the first lady clarified how she met Epstein, pushing back on claims that have circulated for years.

“The first time I crossed paths with Epstein was in the year 2000, at an event Donald and I attended together. At the time, I had never met Epstein and had no knowledge of his criminal undertakings,” she said on April 9.

She also addressed a rumor that has followed her for years, the claim that Epstein introduced her to her husband.

“I have never been friends with Epstein. Donald and I were invited to the same parties as Epstein from time to time, since overlapping in social circles is common in New York City and Palm Beach,” she said, adding, “Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump. I met my husband, by chance, at a New York City party in 1998.”

‘Never involved in any capacity’

Melania then moved from denying a relationship to denying any involvement in Epstein’s criminal world, saying neither investigators nor court records have ever placed her inside the case in any formal way.

“I am not a witness or a named witness in connection with any of Epstein’s crimes. My name has never appeared in court documents, depositions, victim statements, or FBI interviews surrounding the Epstein matter.”

She continued: “I have never had any knowledge of Epstein’s abuse of his victims. I was never involved in any capacity – I was not a participant, was never on Epstein’s plane, and never visited his private island.”

She added one more line meant to close the door entirely: “I have never been legally accused or convicted of a crime in connection with Epstein’s sex trafficking, abuse of minors, and other repulsive behavior.”

‘False smears’

Even as she defended herself, Melania also argued that the bigger story should not be lost. She said false images and invented claims have circulated online for years and warned readers not to confuse internet rumors with verified facts.

“Numerous fake images and statements about Epstein and me have been circulating on social media for years now. Be cautious about what you believe. These images and stories are completely false.”

She went further, saying, “The false smears about me from mean-spirited and politically motivated individuals and entities looking to cause damage to my good name to gain financially and climb politically must stop.”

Call to survivors

At the same time, she called for public testimony from survivors and pressed U.S. Congress to keep digging.

“Now is the time for Congress to act. Epstein was not alone,” she said. “I call on Congress to provide the women who have been victimized by Epstein with a public hearing specifically centered around the survivors. Give these victims their opportunity to testify under oath in front of Congress, with the power of sworn testimony.”

She closed with a broader appeal that shifted the focus back to the women who say they were harmed: “Each and every woman should have her day to tell her story in public, if she wishes, and then her testimony should be permanently entered into the Congressional Record.”

She added, “Then, and only then, will we have the truth.”