Amanda Ungaro Emerges as New Figure in Epstein‑Trump Controversy

Background

Amanda Ungaro, a Brazilian model who arrived in the United States as a teenager, says she was on Jeffrey Epstein’s so‑called “Lolita Express” and later befriended the Trump family through former modeling agent Paolo Zampolli. Zampolli, who introduced Melania to Donald Trump, also helped Ungaro obtain U.N. ambassadorial appointments in 2014.

Recent Developments

In a rare press conference, First Lady Melania Trump denied any connection to Epstein. Within minutes, an X account under Ungaro’s name — claiming to be an Epstein survivor and a two‑decade‑old acquaintance of the First Lady — warned it would “expose hidden connections.” Ungaro has also alleged that she and another couple were the only guests at a Mar‑a‑Lago New Year’s party sitting with the Trumps. In 2025 she was arrested in Miami on suspicion of running an unlicensed cosmetic‑surgery clinic, adding a legal cloud to her claims.

Implications

Ungaro’s threats have sparked speculation about why Melania invoked Epstein’s address in her statement and whether Zampolli’s reported outreach to ICE over Ungaro’s detention reflects deeper ties. Law‑enforcement officials have not confirmed the authenticity of Ungaro’s X profile, but the episode intensifies scrutiny of the Trump‑Epstein nexus as the “Epstein Files” continue to generate fresh leads.