A former Brazilian model has leveled explosive new claims against First Lady Melania Trump, alleging she was an “escort” for Jeffrey Epstein and that the late sex offender — not longtime Trump associate Paolo Zampolli — introduced her to Donald Trump.
The allegations, made in a WhatsApp voice recording posted (and later deleted) by Amanda Ungaro on X around June 1–2, 2026, directly contradict Melania Trump’s rare public White House statement from April 9, 2026, in which she categorically denied any relationship with Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell, knowledge of his crimes, or that Epstein introduced her to her husband.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the claims, the official accounts, the people involved, the photographic evidence of social overlap, and the wider context from the Epstein files.
Melania Trump’s April 2026 Denial
In a surprise appearance in the White House Cross Hall, Melania Trump read a prepared statement rejecting what she called “mean-spirited and politically motivated lies” linking her to Epstein.
Key points from her statement included:
- “I am not Epstein’s victim. Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump.”
- She met Trump “by chance” at a New York City party in 1998 (detailed in her book MELANIA).
- She first crossed paths with Epstein in 2000 at an event she attended with Trump.
- She never had a relationship with Epstein or Maxwell, never flew on Epstein’s plane, never visited his private island, and had no knowledge of his abuse of victims.
- She acknowledged overlapping social circles in New York and Palm Beach but described any email correspondence with Maxwell as “casual” or “trivial.”
- She called on Congress to hold public hearings for Epstein’s victims.
President Trump later indicated he was not fully briefed on the content of her remarks beforehand.
The New Allegation from Amanda Ungaro
In the recording addressed to her ex-partner Paolo Zampolli, Ungaro stated:
“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. And I know, because I was with you 20 years and you always told me it was not you—it was Jeffrey Epstein.”
Ungaro claimed Zampolli had privately admitted over two decades that he was not the one who made the introduction. She further suggested mutual covering-up between Zampolli and Melania after his appointment to a Trump administration role.
Zampolli responded sharply to the Daily Beast: “I think it is a disgrace that she dares to say this about our marvelous first lady. I’m truly concerned for her health, and I think she truly needs some therapy.” He has long maintained that he introduced the couple after recruiting Melania (then Melania Knauss) to his New York modeling agency and bringing her to a 1998 Fashion Week party at the Kit Kat Club.
Who Is Amanda Ungaro?
Amanda Ungaro is a Brazilian former model who was in a nearly 20-year relationship with Zampolli that produced a son (now a teenager). The pair have been locked in a bitter custody battle.
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Ungaro has said that in June 2002, at age 17, she flew from Paris to New York on Epstein’s private jet (the so-called “Lolita Express”) accompanied by French modeling scout Jean-Luc Brunel, who was later accused of recruiting young women for Epstein. She has stated she never saw Epstein again after that flight. She met Zampolli later that year.
Ungaro has also alleged that Zampolli used political connections to influence U.S. immigration authorities amid their custody dispute, leading to her detention and deportation by ICE — claims Zampolli has denied. She has described witnessing “highly compromising interactions” over the years connected to Melania and the broader circle.
Paolo Zampolli’s Role and Connections
Paolo Zampolli, an Italian-American businessman and former modeling agent, has been a longtime associate of Donald Trump. He is currently serving as U.S. Special Representative/Envoy for Global Partnerships (appointed in early 2025) and previously sat on the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees.
Zampolli has publicly claimed credit for introducing Melania and Trump for years. His name appears in Epstein-related documents; he and Epstein once discussed purchasing a modeling agency together, and Epstein reportedly warned others about him in emails. Zampolli has offered to testify before Congress in support of Melania’s account.
The Famous 2000 Photo and Social Overlap
An authentic photograph from February 12, 2000, at Mar-a-Lago shows Donald Trump, Melania Knauss, Jeffrey Epstein, and Ghislaine Maxwell posing together. Melania has referenced this as the first time she crossed paths with Epstein.
The couples moved in overlapping New York and Palm Beach social circles. Additional photos exist of Melania with Maxwell at fashion events. A 2002 email from Melania to Maxwell (released in the Epstein files) referenced a New York Magazine story about “JE,” praised Maxwell’s appearance, and signed off “Love, Melania.” Maxwell reportedly replied calling her “sweet pea.” Melania has dismissed this as insignificant casual correspondence.
Other Claims in the Epstein Files
Justice Department releases have included a claim from a one-time Epstein assistant (interviewed under a proffer agreement) that Epstein introduced Trump and Melania. This remains unproven and contested. Epstein himself made statements in emails suggesting involvement in their meeting, though he was known as an unreliable narrator.
No court documents, victim statements, or official findings have established Melania as a participant, victim, or accomplice in Epstein’s crimes. Her name does not appear as a charged party or named witness in the core trafficking cases.
Important Caveats
- Ungaro’s recording has not been independently authenticated beyond its circulation and deletion.
- The “escort” allegation is her personal claim, made in the context of a highly contentious personal and legal dispute with Zampolli.
- Melania, Trump, and Zampolli all firmly reject any Epstein-mediated introduction or improper relationship.
- Many circulating images purporting to show closer ties have been debunked as fake or AI-generated.
- Social proximity in elite New York and Florida circles in the late 1990s and early 2000s does not equal knowledge of or participation in Epstein’s criminal activities.
The claims have reignited intense online and media discussion of the Trumps’ past social connections to Epstein at a time when millions of pages of files continue to be scrutinized. As with many Epstein-related stories, the allegations remain contested, with sharp denials from those named and limited independent corroboration of the most serious new claims.