Article Withdrawal After Legal Challenge
The Daily Beast has removed an article that reported claims by journalist Michael Wolff, alleging that Melania Trump was introduced to Donald Trump through a modeling agent associated with Jeffrey Epstein. This decision came after legal objections from the First Lady’s lawyers.
Editor’s Response
In an editor’s note, The Daily Beast shared, “After this story was published, The Beast received a letter from First Lady Melania Trump’s attorney challenging the headline and framing of the article. After reviewing the matter, the Beast has taken down the article and apologizes for any confusion or misunderstanding.” The link to the article now leads to a notice stating it has been removed (source).
Details of the Allegations
Wolff made these sensational claims during an interview for a podcast hosted by The Daily Beast’s chief content officer, Joanna Coles. The discussion revolved around Trump’s ties with the disgraced financier Epstein. The two had a long-standing friendship but later experienced a fallout. President Trump stated that Epstein had been taking staff from his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. Epstein took his own life while incarcerated in Manhattan, where he was awaiting trial on serious charges related to sex trafficking. Wolff stated that Melania was “very involved in this Epstein relationship.”
Wolff’s Allegations
- Wolff claimed, “[Melania] was very involved in this Epstein relationship. There is this model thing, and she’s introduced by a model agent, both of whom Trump and Epstein are involved with. She’s introduced to Trump that way, Epstein knows her well.”
Trump’s Response to Epstein Speculation
Following a series of gaffes by his Attorney General Pam Bondi, President Trump has faced pressure from his MAGA supporters to disclose the so-called “Epstein files.” In February, Bondi distributed binders labeled “Epstein Files: Phase One” to a select group of conservative influencers, but these lacked new information on the case, leading to dissatisfaction and conspiracy theories among Trump’s online base.
In June, Bondi clarified a previous statement suggesting an Epstein client list was present on her desk, indicating she was referring to the Epstein file instead. Subsequently, the Department of Justice (DOJ) released a memo that denied the existence of a “client list” and asserted there was no credible evidence of Epstein blackmailing anyone. However, this did not quell calls for transparency, which frustrated Trump.
Trump’s Dismissal of Supporters’ Obsessions
President Trump has distanced himself from supporters engrossed in the Epstein controversy, labeling them as “weaklings” who have been ensnared in a “hoax” promoted by the Democrats. On TruthSocial, he expressed, “Their new SCAM is what we will forever call the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax, and my PAST supporters have bought into this ‘bullshit,’ hook, line, and sinker, they haven’t learned their lesson, and probably never will, even after being conned by the Lunatic Left for 8 long years.”
Wolff’s Credibility Scrutinized
Michael Wolff’s reliability as a journalist has come under fire previously. In 2018, he suggested President Trump was involved in an affair, hinting that the identity of the alleged mistress could be found in his book “Fire and Fury.” This led to speculation about then-UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, who criticized his insinuations as “disgusting” and “highly offensive.” During a later interview on “Morning Joe,” Wolff denied implying Haley had an affair, yet acknowledged finding it odd that she would deny something unspoken, prompting a tense exchange with co-host Mika Brzezinski.
Conclusion
Michael Wolff has since stated to Fox News Digital that he had no involvement in the content of the retracted article. Both The Daily Beast and the White House have not yet responded to requests for further comment.
