Epstein Survivors Accuse Melania Trump of 'Shifting the Burden'
Melania Trump has faced criticism from survivors of Jeffrey Epstein after her unexpected statement at the White House. The first lady distanced herself from the disgraced financier and urged Congress to hold public hearings with Epstein victims, despite several survivors having already met with the House oversight committee in a closed session last fall.
On Thursday evening, a group of survivors issued a joint statement accusing the first lady of "shifting the burden onto survivors under politicized conditions to protect those with power" and moving to "protect those in power." They emphasized the courage survivors have shown by coming forward, filing reports, and giving testimony, and stated that asking more of them now is a deflection of responsibility rather than justice.
"Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein have already shown extraordinary courage by coming forward, filing reports, and giving testimony. Asking more of them now is a deflection of responsibility, not justice."
"It also diverts attention from [former attorney general] Pam Bondi, who must answer for withheld files and the exposure of survivors’ identities. Those failures continue to put lives at risk while shielding enablers. Survivors have done their part. Now it’s time for those in power to do theirs."
The first lady told reporters on Thursday that she "never had a relationship" with Jeffrey Epstein or his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. It was unclear which specific accusations prompted her public response. She delivered her scripted remarks at the same podium used to address the nation on the war in Iran last week.
"I [have] never been friends with Epstein," Trump said. "I am not Epstein’s victim. Epstein did not introduce me to [Maxwell]."
She added that she and the president were invited to the same parties as Epstein "from time to time," explaining that "overlapping in social circles is common in New York City and Palm Beach." She specifically denied that her emails to Maxwell were anything beyond "casual correspondence."
House Push for War Powers Resolution Fails
The House effort to pass a war powers resolution by unanimous consent failed after Republican Chris Smith, the pro forma speaker, did not recognize Democrats. This was always a challenging task, as opposition from even a single member would require a formal vote.
Although largely symbolic, Democrats in both chambers have vowed to hold votes again when Congress returns from recess next week. Lower chamber Democrats expressed confidence that at least a couple of House GOP members might join them in passing the resolution.
Trump Optimistic on Iran Peace Deal
Donald Trump expressed optimism that a peace deal with Iran was within reach as a diplomatic delegation led by Vice-President JD Vance prepared to travel to Pakistan for high-stakes talks aimed at ending the war this weekend. Trump noted that Iran’s leaders "talk much differently when you’re at a meeting than they do to the press. They’re much more reasonable," aligning with his administration’s narrative of a disconnect between Tehran’s public and private statements.
Trump Administration Releases Latest Mock-up of 'Arc de Trump'
The Trump administration on Friday released plans for a triumphal arch the president wants to install in Memorial Circle at the foot of the Arlington Memorial Bridge. The so-called "Arc de Trump" would stand 250 feet tall, feature a 60-foot golden Lady Liberty, and include a viewing deck. The phrase "One Nation Under God" would stretch across the top, according to the latest designs from Harrison Design.
The mock-up was submitted to the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA), which is scheduled to meet on 16 April to consider the proposal. Trump replaced all prior CFA members with loyalists. The CFA is one of two bodies responsible for approving his proposed White House ballroom, which the CFA approved in February, despite ongoing legal challenges.
The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), chaired by one of Trump’s former lawyers, also approved the building project days later, but the status remains uncertain following a district court ruling.
Kamala Harris Considers 2028 Presidential Run
Kamala Harris stated she is "thinking about" running in the 2028 presidential election. Speaking at a National Action Network event in New York City on Friday, the former vice-president and 2024 candidate said:
"I might, I might. I’m thinking about it. I served for four years being a heartbeat away from the presidency of the United States … I know what the job is and I know what it requires."
She elaborated on her travels and observations across the country, emphasizing that the status quo has not worked for many people for a long time.
"It’s got to be about the American people and that’s how I think of it. I am thinking about it in the context of … who and where and how can the best job be done for the American people. I’ll keep you posted."
Harris, who lost to Donald Trump, also criticized the president and his administration’s foreign policy, calling Trump the "first president of the United States since World War Two who does not believe in the alliances that we have with friendly nations … and the importance that that relationship bears on our standing around the world."
Melania Trump’s Statement Reignites Epstein Discussion Amid US-Iran Conflict
Melania Trump’s surprise appearance at the White House on Thursday, denying any relationship with Jeffrey Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell, brought Epstein back into the political spotlight at a time when attention had been focused on the US and Israel’s war in Iran.
The intervention occurred during a challenging period for her husband, President Trump, as a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran appeared at risk and lawmakers raised concerns about the president’s mental stability.
In the latest episode of The Latest podcast, Lucy Hough discusses with US editor Betsy Reed Trump’s rhetoric in the Iran conflict and the prospects for US politics.
Trump Comments on Iran Negotiations and Military Readiness
Donald Trump stated that Iranians "have no cards" and are alive only "to negotiate." On his Truth Social platform, he wrote:
"The Iranians don’t seem to realize they have no cards, other than a short term extortion of the World by using International Waterways. The only reason they are alive today is to negotiate!"
In a New York Post interview, Trump said the US is loading warships with "the best weapons" in case talks with Tehran, scheduled to begin in Islamabad, fail.
"We’re going to find out in about 24 hours," he said. "We’re loading up the ships with the best weapons ever made, even at a higher level than we use to do a complete decimation. And if we don’t have a deal, we will be using them and we will be using them very effectively."
Preparatory Talks for Israel-Lebanon Negotiations
CNN reports that ambassadors from Israel, Lebanon, and the United States will hold initial preparatory talks in Washington to set the agenda for future negotiations between Israel and Lebanon. The discussions aim to address disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations.
Lebanon demands that Israel agree to a ceasefire before negotiations commence, as Israel continues its bombardment of Lebanon.
The talks will involve Michel Issa, US ambassador to Lebanon; Yechiel Leiter, Israel’s ambassador to the US; and Nada Hamadeh Moawad, Lebanon’s ambassador to the US.
Ro Khanna Calls for Melania Trump to Testify Before Congress
Following Melania Trump’s televised statement denying any relationship with Epstein or Maxwell, Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna urged that the first lady testify before Congress, stating she has relevant information.
"She has relevant information. If she didn’t have relevant information, how could she say that Epstein was not acting alone?" Khanna said. "We need to ask her who were the other men that she believes may have been involved in raping or abusing these young girls. What did she know?"
Pope Leo Criticizes US-Israeli War on Gaza
Pope Leo issued a veiled criticism of the US-Israeli war on Gaza, stating that "military action will not create space for freedom." Writing on X, he added that God "does not bless any conflict."
"God does not bless any conflict. Anyone who is a disciple of Christ, the Prince of Peace, is never on the side of those who once wielded the sword and today drop bombs. Military action will not create space for freedom or times of #Peace, which comes only from the patient promotion of coexistence and dialogue among peoples."
Democrats Criticize Trump and War for Inflation Surge
Democrats criticized President Trump following a report showing a 3.3% increase in consumer prices since March 2025. Senator Elizabeth Warren stated:
"Today’s data shows that Trump’s war with Iran has driven up costs and delivered the worst inflation reading in nearly two years. Trump’s chaotic tariffs were already squeezing American families, and now he’s sent energy prices skyrocketing, with gas prices above $4 a gallon and the cost of food still too high. Every family struggling to fill their gas tank or buy groceries knows exactly who is responsible."
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called the inflation report "another reason we must end this war now," adding that "Americans are paying the price for Trump’s idiocy every day." Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg also linked the war to rising energy prices and inflation.
On Truth Social, Trump posted a cryptic message: "WORLD’S MOST POWERFUL RESET!!!" ahead of negotiations in Islamabad. Vice-President JD Vance warned Iran not to "play" the US during upcoming talks, emphasizing willingness to negotiate in good faith but warning against bad-faith tactics.
The inflation rate has not exceeded 3% since summer 2024, when it was cooling from a peak of 9.1% in June 2022. The war on Iran has contributed to economic uncertainty, compounding challenges from Trump’s tariffs.
US Inflation Surges Amid War and Rising Oil Prices
The latest consumer price index report released on Friday showed US inflation rose by 3.3% year-over-year in March and 0.9% since February 2026.
President Trump was scheduled to be in Washington for policy meetings before traveling to Charlottesville, Virginia, to attend a private event with the pro-Trump super PAC Make America Great Again Inc.
Trump Administration Admits Error in Medicaid Fraud Probe Data
The Trump administration acknowledged a significant error in figures used to justify a fraud probe into New York’s Medicaid program. The mistake raised questions about the accuracy of the administration’s anti-fraud efforts nationwide.
Dr Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, had claimed that New York’s Medicaid program provided personal care services to about five million people last year, nearly three-quarters of the state’s 6.8 million Medicaid enrollees. Experts called this level of utilization "unheard of."
"That level of utilization is unheard of," Oz said, adding that New York needs to "come clean about its Medicaid program."
CDC Report on Covid Vaccine Benefits Delayed Amid Concerns
An appointee delayed publication of a CDC report showing that the Covid vaccine reduced emergency room visits and hospitalizations for healthy adults by about half last winter. Acting CDC director Jay Bhattacharya reportedly postponed the report due to methodological concerns.
The delay raised concerns among experts and former CDC officials about the administration’s attempts to undermine vaccine research. Dr Fiona Havers, a former CDC vaccine policy adviser, called the move an escalation of efforts to undermine CDC science.
Congresswoman Ansari Calls for Trump’s Removal Over Iran War
Congresswoman Anna Eskamani Ansari, an Iranian American Democrat, called President Trump an "evil human being" who "wants to be an emperor" and should be removed from office over the Iran war. She spoke after Trump threatened to destroy Iran’s civilization before announcing a ceasefire.
Ansari expressed momentary relief for Iranians following the truce but warned that Trump represents a clear danger to Iran, the US, and the world. She cited his mental instability and self-interest, highlighting his history of policies harming average Americans while enriching his family.
Confusion Surrounds Melania Trump’s Unexpected Epstein Statement
Melania Trump’s surprise statement denying any relationship with Epstein caused confusion about her motives and whether President Trump was aware of her decision. Even rightwing correspondents were puzzled.
Fox News senior White House correspondent Jacqui Heinrich said she and her team were baffled and had been trying to understand the timing and reasons behind the statement. Despite contacting numerous sources, including the president, she received no answers.
The New York Post also expressed uncertainty, noting it was unclear why the first lady chose to address the Epstein saga at a time when the White House sought to move on from the issue, which has been a burden on the president’s second term.
