to the editor: When asked Thursday if he knew what the first lady was going to say, President Trump responded that he didn't “know anything about it.” One thing is for sure: now you know.
Melania Trump's call for congressional hearings featuring Jeffrey Epstein's victims represents a marked change from previous indications given by the White House and the Department of Justice that the case is closed (“Melania Trump delivers statement at the White House denying ties to Epstein and knowledge of his crimes” April 9). If House Republicans go ahead and convene the hearings that the first lady is urging, then they will be entering territory that the administration itself has been eager to avoid.
One can only wonder how the contradiction between Melania and the president will play out, especially behind closed doors. But ultimately, that's beside the point.
What really matters is this: If such hearings occur, the focus must remain where it belongs: giving a voice to Epstein's victims and ensuring that their testimony is fully heard.
That's why Melania Trump deserves credit for speaking out so bravely. If only her husband was as lucid.
Denny Freidenrich, Laguna Beach
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to the editor: On Thursday, First Lady Melania Trump made a rare public appearance and statement about herself and her relationship with the abhorrent and disgraced pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. He said he had no relationship with Epstein and made an evocative plea that such accusations “must end.”
Of course, we don't know and probably never will know the truth and facts about her relationship with Epstein, but that's not the point. For me, the important and relevant point is that the first lady, during a month-long news cycle that has understandably focused on the Iran war and devoid of news about Epstein, has single-handedly resurrected interest and attention on the Epstein scandal. Some may say that with a wife like her, who needs enemies? Her news conference Thursday revived and increased interest in a news story that her husband apparently desperately wants to leave and never return.
Ken Derow, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania.
