Melania Trump Calls on Congress to Hold Hearing for Epstein Victims

First Lady Melania Trump delivered a rare on-camera statement distancing herself from Jeffrey Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, calling for Congress to hold public hearings where survivors could testify under oath. The statement, which came as a surprise to both the media and the White House, was framed as a response to persistent rumors and a desire to end the 'lies' about her connection to Epstein. While she denied any relationship with Epstein or Maxwell, she emphasized the need for transparency and justice for victims, urging that their testimony be permanently entered into the congressional record. The move has been seen as a bold assertion of independence from President Trump, who has previously downplayed the Epstein scandal. Epstein survivors reacted with mixed emotions—some surprised by her intervention, others skeptical of the timing and intent, though many welcomed the call for a public hearing as a potential step toward accountability. The episode also covered escalating tensions in the Middle East, with Israel launching new strikes in Lebanon despite a fragile ceasefire with Iran, raising concerns about regional stability. Meanwhile, the Justice Department launched an investigation into the NFL’s streaming model, scrutinizing whether its antitrust exemption leads to anti-competitive practices that inflate consumer costs. On a separate front, a disturbing online community glorifying mass shooters was linked to recent school attack plots, prompting calls for greater awareness and intervention. Finally, the Artemis II mission approached its critical reentry into Earth’s atmosphere, with NASA preparing for a high-stakes descent amid concerns over heat shield integrity.