this post was submitted on 01 Jun 2026
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[–] caboose2006@lemmy.world 23 points 1 day ago (2 children)

Wouldn't that make Melania a victim of human trafficking?

[–] CultLeader4Hire@lemmy.world 15 points 1 day ago

Totally possible but being victimized as tragic as it is isn’t a justification for joining those that victimized you to victimize others

[–] ChunkMcHorkle@lemmy.world 18 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (1 children)

Trafficking involves coercion. We've heard a lot about the minors, but not all Epstein's connections, sexual or otherwise, were coerced: many were legally of age who were simply paid.

By all accounts, Melania came to the US of her own free will and was an adult when she interacted with Epstein. There is no evidence she was ever coerced, nor that she was pimped. She's never said she was, and no one has ever suggested that about her.

And to drive the point home, she is most certainly acting out of her own free will now, and to the same end: selling her [name, title, access to power, story] for money.

[–] Doomsider@lemmy.world 1 points 15 hours ago* (last edited 15 hours ago)

I am sorry are you suggesting that people of legal age who are trafficked have not been coerced. We have tons of first hand accounts of the manipulation that Epstein and Maxwell used regardless of age. Everything from exposure to sexual acts and nudity to wear down resistance to promises of connections and other benefits.

Do you think she was in her right mind hanging out as a coked out escort for a human trafficker and pedophile? Also, her access to the Einstein visa is extremely suspect as she in no way qualified for it.

Who was the one who helped her secure it. Was it Trump who she was supposed to be dating at the time. If so and if it was not a bribery situation, why has she not released her application.

I think you may be purposely downplaying what happened to her to because of your own held personal beliefs. Remember, according to Maxwell Trump and Epstein never did anything wrong. Why should we put trust in what Melania says when she is a demonstrable liar.

https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2020/feb/20/blog-posting/claim-about-melania-trump-touting-false-credential/