Part of: Epstein files floor speech and Oversight briefing (Sept. Nov. 2025) · The Epstein Files Fight · Epstein & the Files Vote · January 6 & the Trump Relationship
Mace commends Melania Trump for advocating for Epstein survivors
On April 9, 2026, Mace publicly commended First Lady Melania Trump for her advocacy on behalf of Jeffrey Epstein survivors, a notable alignment with the Trump family even as Mace continued fighting the Justice Department over file releases.

On April 9, 2026, Mace publicly commended First Lady Melania Trump for advocating on behalf of Jeffrey Epstein survivors. The statement came roughly a week after Mace had blasted the fired AG Pam Bondi for stonewalling the committee's file-release demands.
The commendation reflected the complicated position Mace occupied during this period: in open conflict with the Trump DOJ over the Epstein files while continuing to express alignment with the President and First Lady directly. Mace had long framed the Epstein fight as consistent with, not contrary to, what she called Trump's stated commitment to justice for survivors.
Source: mace.house.gov
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