Full Breakdown
Allegations That Jeffrey Epstein Introduced Melania Trump to Donald Trump
6/2/2026, 4:21:56 AM
Allegations Overview
Former Brazilian model Amanda Ungaro, who is in a custody dispute with former partner Paolo Zampolli, alleges that Melania Trump served as an “escort” for Jeffrey Epstein and that Epstein, not Zampolli, introduced her to Donald Trump. Ungaro says she was 17 when she flew on Epstein’s private jet in June 2002 with scout Jean-Luc Brunel. Zampolli, a Special Envoy for Global Partnerships, maintains he introduced Melania to Trump at a 1998 New York party.
Timeline of Key Events
- 1998 – Melania meets Donald Trump at a New York party (Zampolli).
- 2000 – Encounter with Epstein at a Trump-Epstein event.
- June 2002 – Ungoro, 17, rides Epstein’s jet.
- April 2026 – Melania denies Epstein link; Ungoro posts, deletes her recording.
Official Statements & Responses
Melania Trump told reporters she is not an Epstein victim, that Epstein never introduced her to Donald Trump, and that she met him by chance at a 1998 New York party. She said her first contact with Epstein was at a 2000 event. Paolo Zampolli called Ungaro’s claims a disgrace, expressed concern for her health, and said his role was limited to the 1998 introduction. The Department of Homeland Security denied any involvement in Ungaro’s alleged immigration arrest.
Criticism, Opposition, and Conflicting Reports
Ungoro, amid her custody battle, claims she witnessed “highly compromising interactions” over two decades and that Epstein acted as Melania’s escort, facilitating the Trump introduction. She also alleges Zampolli used his Washington position to influence immigration enforcement against her. These allegations clash with Melania’s memoir and Zampolli’s account of a 1998 party introduction. No independent evidence has corroborated Ungoro’s assertions, and DHS denial leaves a factual gap.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Let’s tell the public you never was the one introducing Melania to Trump. It was Jeffrey Epstein, as she was escort of Jeffrey Epstein. That’s how she met Donald Trump,” — Amanda Ungaro, former associate of Melania Trump
- “I think it is a disgrace that she dares to say this about our marvelous first lady.” — Paolo Zampolli, Special Envoy for Global Partnerships
- “Even without an attorney, I’m volunteering to go to Congress to testify about this, because we have seen enough nonsense,” — Paolo Zampolli, Special Envoy for Global Partnerships
- “She knows that I witnessed highly compromising interactions over the course of 20 years,” — Amanda Ungaro, in interview with the Courier
Why It Matters
The dispute revives scrutiny of the Trump-Epstein network, raises questions about potential misuse of political appointments, and fuels public debate over accountability for alleged misconduct.
What’s Next
Zampolli says he will testify before Congress, and legal teams for both sides have signaled possible lawsuits. The White House has not issued further comment beyond Melania’s April briefing. Ongoing investigations may hinge on any new evidence Ungaro provides or law-enforcement actions.
