First Lady Melania Trump has threatened to sue Hunter Biden, son of former US President Joe Biden, for more than $1 billion over claims that she was introduced to her husband, President Donald Trump, by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Lawyers acting on behalf of Melania Trump described the claim as “false, disparaging, defamatory, and inflammatory” in a letter addressed to Hunter Biden’s attorney.
The claim was made by Hunter Biden during an interview earlier this month, where he strongly criticized President Trump’s former ties to Epstein. In the interview, Hunter Biden claimed that unreleased documents relating to Epstein would “implicate” President Trump and stated, “Epstein introduced Melania to Trump – the connections are so wide and deep.” Melania Trump’s lawyers argue that this claim is baseless and has caused “overwhelming financial and reputational harm” to the first lady.
The controversy surrounding Epstein’s connections to prominent figures has been ongoing, with many calling for the release of previously undisclosed documents related to the criminal investigation against him. Before his re-election, President Trump said he would release the records if he returned to office, but the FBI and Justice Department later stated that no “incriminating” client list of Epstein associates existed.
Melania Trump’s lawyers are demanding that Hunter Biden retract the claim and apologize for his statements. Failure to do so may result in legal action seeking “over $1 billion in damages.” The first lady’s lawyer, Alejandro Brito, referred to a statement issued by her aide, Nick Clemens, which read, “First Lady Melania Trump’s attorneys are actively ensuring immediate retractions and apologies by those who spread malicious, defamatory falsehoods.”
Hunter Biden attributed the claim about Melania Trump’s introduction to her husband to journalist Michael Wolff, who authored a critical biography of President Trump. However, Wolff’s claims were later retracted after Melania Trump’s attorney challenged the contents and framing of the story. The Daily Beast, which published Wolff’s claims, later apologized for “any confusion or misunderstanding” and took down the article.¹
Melania Trump met her husband, Donald Trump, in November 1998 at a party hosted by the founder of a modeling agency, according to a January 2016 profile by Harper’s Bazaar. She declined to give him her phone number because he was “with a date” at the time. The Trumps have maintained that they were introduced by Paolo Zampolli, a modeling agent, at a New York Fashion Week party in 1998.
The legal threat from Melania Trump comes amid renewed calls for the White House to release the so-called Epstein files. The FBI and Justice Department have stated that no incriminating client list of Epstein associates exists, but the controversy continues to spark debate and discussion.