A previously undisclosed email from October 23, 2002, signed “Love, Melania,” has surfaced among more than three million documents recently released from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, appearing to be addressed to Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former associate and confidant. While the identities of the sender and recipient were redacted in the files, the message itself suggests a personal exchange between the two women.
The email begins, “Dear G! How are you? Nice story about JE in NY mag. You look great on the picture.” At the time, New York Magazine had published a now-infamous feature on Epstein, headlined “Jeffrey Epstein: International Moneyman of Mystery.” The piece included a full-page illustration of Epstein grinning alongside former President Bill Clinton in front of his private jet, as well as photos of Maxwell with Epstein at a black-tie event and of Donald Trump conversing with Belgian supermodel Ingrid Seynhaeve at a Victoria’s Secret party.
The message continues, referencing Maxwell’s busy travel schedule: “I know you are very busy flying all over the world. How was Palm Beach? I cannot wait to go down. Give me a call when you are back in NY. Have a great time!” It is signed affectionately, “Love, Melania.”
While the email is signed “Melania,” it is unclear whether it was sent by Melania Trump herself, who was then dating Donald Trump. The Daily Mail and other outlets have reached out to the White House for confirmation.
The correspondence underscores the social circles in which Epstein, Maxwell, and the Trumps moved during the late 1990s and early 2000s. A widely circulated photo shows Donald Trump, then-girlfriend Melania Knauss, Maxwell, and Epstein together at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, in February 2000. While Trump later distanced himself from Epstein—barring him from Mar-a-Lago due to “creepy” behavior toward young female staff—public records and social photos demonstrate frequent overlap in their social and professional networks during that period.
The email appears to have prompted a reply from Maxwell, who responded as “G. Max.” She wrote, “Sweet pea, thanks for your message. Actually plans changed again and I am now on my way back to NY. I leave again on Fri so I still do not think I have time to see you sadly. I will try and call though.” She signed off with her initial and a kiss: “Keep well. Gx.”
The newly released tranche of documents, which includes more than 2,000 videos and 180,000 images, comes on the heels of the Department of Justice’s commitment to transparency in the Epstein investigation. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the release of the materials on Friday, noting that they supplement prior releases and represent additional documents withheld from an initial December release. Congressional Democrats have stated that the release is only a portion of the full set of materials collected, emphasizing ongoing demands for complete disclosure.
The documents shed further light on Epstein’s social connections and the intricate web of relationships he maintained among elite social and political figures, including the Trumps, Maxwell, and other prominent individuals. Several photographs included in the release show Maxwell and Epstein on vacation, at parties, and with various high-profile attendees, reinforcing the close proximity in which these figures operated.
During the early 2000s, Donald Trump and Melania Knauss frequently attended high-profile events in Manhattan and Florida, including Mar-a-Lago gatherings, black-tie galas, and parties hosted by influential fashion and entertainment circles. The New York Magazine story referenced in the email featured images capturing these social overlaps, including Trump and Epstein at Victoria’s Secret events.
The release comes amid broader scrutiny of Epstein’s activities and the people within his orbit. Epstein, who was indicted on federal sex trafficking charges in New York in July 2019, was found hanged in his Manhattan jail cell a month later, a death ruled a suicide. Maxwell was convicted in 2021 for her role in recruiting and grooming underage girls for Epstein and is currently serving a 20-year sentence.
Public and media interest has been heightened by legislative actions, including the Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed into law by Trump in November 2025, which mandated the public release of records pertaining to both Epstein and Maxwell. The legislation followed disputes within the Republican Party regarding access to the files, which Trump initially branded a “Democrat hoax.”
The October 2002 email adds nuance to the narrative surrounding Epstein’s social network and suggests that Melania Trump, at the time a private citizen and model, had some form of correspondence with Maxwell. Analysts caution that the content of the email does not provide evidence of wrongdoing by any party, but it underscores the extent of social interaction between individuals who later found themselves embroiled in public controversies.
While the identities of the sender and recipient are technically redacted in the documents, the phrasing, context, and signature have led media outlets to associate the email with Melania Trump and Ghislaine Maxwell. The exchange appears cordial and social in nature, discussing travel plans and responding to media coverage of Epstein.
Epstein’s criminal conduct, including sexual abuse of minors, his extensive financial network, and connections to high-profile individuals, continues to draw public and investigative scrutiny. Maxwell’s conviction, as well as her ongoing imprisonment, marks one of the few instances in which his associates have faced legal consequences, though public discourse continues to question the broader network of acquaintances, friends, and professional contacts.
For historians, journalists, and investigators, the release of millions of Epstein-related documents offers a trove of material for understanding the intersections of wealth, influence, and criminal behavior in elite circles. While much of the material remains under redaction to protect privacy or ongoing investigations, emails such as the one signed “Love, Melania” provide a glimpse into the social fabric connecting Epstein, Maxwell, and other notable figures in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The release of these materials may also rekindle discussion about the ethical responsibilities of individuals who maintained contact with Epstein and Maxwell, whether social, professional, or personal. As legal and investigative bodies continue to examine Epstein’s activities, public attention remains focused on the enduring questions surrounding accountability and the influence of elite networks in facilitating or enabling criminal conduct.
The documents, which include photographs, emails, and videos, are now available through the DOJ’s website. They are expected to remain a subject of ongoing analysis and reporting, both for their evidentiary value and their insight into the complex social landscape surrounding one of the most notorious criminal figures of the early 21st century.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
