The Department of Justice has made public a series of documents that include an email from October 23, 2002, which appears to bear a sign-off from "Melania," directed at Ghislaine Maxwell. This disclosure is part of a larger release of over three million records associated with Jeffrey Epstein and his connections.
Although the names on the email are redacted, the affectionate closing "Love, Melania" and the opening "Dear G!" suggest a personal relationship between the sender and Maxwell. The email references a New York Magazine article featuring Epstein and praises Maxwell's appearance in a photo within the piece. The feature in question, "Jeffrey Epstein: International Moneyman of Mystery," profiled Epstein's ascent in high society and included various images of him with notable individuals, including one with then-citizen Donald Trump.
The email's content also touches upon Maxwell's travels and mentions Palm Beach, where Epstein owned a residence. The sender expresses anticipation for a trip to the location and requests that Maxwell call upon returning to New York.
The authenticity of the email has not been confirmed, and it remains uncertain whether Melania Trump, who had been moving in the same social circles as Epstein and Maxwell during the late 1990s and early 2000s, was indeed the author. A photograph from February 2000 depicts Trump, Melania Knauss—later Melania Trump—alongside Epstein and Maxwell at the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach.
President Trump would later distance himself from Epstein, citing inappropriate behavior, and ultimately bar him from Mar-a-Lago.
The DOJ documents also include a response to the aforementioned email, allegedly from Maxwell, warmly thanking the sender and explaining a change in travel plans. The exchange concludes with Maxwell's initial and a symbol of a kiss.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has stated that the recent release encompasses a substantial volume of content, including videos and images, pertinent to Epstein's case. Epstein passed away in a New York correctional facility in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence for her role in facilitating Epstein's criminal activities.
The White House was approached for comments regarding the email but has not issued a response as of the latest reports.
