NOTE: DOCUMENT INSIDE THE ARTICLE.
In a newly released FBI document, it has been revealed that Donald Trump personally contacted the Palm Beach Police Chief in 2006 to express gratitude for investigating Jeffrey Epstein and to single out Ghislaine Maxwell, calling her “evil” and urging law enforcement to focus on her role in Epstein’s criminal activities. The document, summarizing an October 2019 interview with Michael Reiter, who served as Palm Beach’s top law enforcement official from 2001 to 2009, provides a rare glimpse into the interactions between Trump, Epstein, and law enforcement during the early stages of the notorious financier’s criminal investigations.
Reiter, who oversaw policing in one of Florida’s wealthiest communities, recalled that Trump was “one of the very first people to call” when authorities began investigating Epstein for sexual abuse involving underage girls. According to the summary, Trump expressed relief that Epstein was finally being investigated, stating, “Thank goodness you’re stopping him. Everyone has known he’s been doing this.” Trump reportedly added that he had personally distanced himself from Epstein when minors were present, saying he had “got the hell out of there” on at least one occasion while around Epstein and teenage girls.
The document also states that Trump told Reiter he had “thrown” Epstein out of Mar-a-Lago, the private Palm Beach club owned by Trump, emphasizing that “people in New York knew Epstein was disgusting.” Trump’s characterization of Epstein as a threat and a predator is notable given their well-documented social connection prior to the criminal allegations. The conversation, as described by Reiter, underscores both Trump’s awareness of Epstein’s alleged misconduct and his attempt to frame himself as having acted responsibly around the financier.
In addition to his comments about Epstein, Trump reportedly singled out Maxwell, the British socialite who played a key role in Epstein’s operations, referring to her as “Epstein’s operative” and labeling her “evil.” Trump reportedly instructed Reiter to focus on Maxwell in his investigations. The FBI document makes clear that Trump viewed her as central to Epstein’s network and as someone who should be targeted by law enforcement, rather than simply viewing Epstein as the sole perpetrator.
Reiter’s interview provides further insight into the broader Palm Beach investigation. He recalled his first encounters with Epstein, which occurred after the financier reported that one of his employees had stolen from him. Epstein, according to Reiter, presented himself as a supporter of law enforcement, donating tens of thousands of dollars to the Palm Beach Police Department. Among these contributions was a $40,000 donation for a machine to review security footage and a $90,000 check for a fingerprinting machine, though Reiter noted that the latter check was never cashed. Epstein also contributed generously to a police scholarship fund for children, exceeding donations from other wealthy community members.
Despite Epstein’s efforts to cultivate a positive relationship with local authorities, Reiter emphasized that reports of sexual abuse began surfacing in the early 2000s, with victims coming forward as early as 2003. Palm Beach police officers eventually compiled a significant case against Epstein, including evidence of sexual battery involving co-conspirators. However, Reiter said that state prosecutors undermined the credibility of the victims, highlighting social media activity and other minor inconsistencies to challenge the affidavits. As a result, the case ultimately “died at the state level,” failing to proceed despite the evidence compiled by local law enforcement.
The FBI interview of Reiter, part of a massive release of Justice Department files related to Epstein’s activities, sheds light on the law enforcement perspective during this period. Epstein eventually pleaded guilty in 2008 to Florida charges of soliciting a minor for sex, entering a controversial non-prosecution agreement that allowed him to serve 13 months in jail, much of it on work release. This agreement drew widespread criticism for its leniency and the perception that Epstein received preferential treatment due to his wealth and social connections.
In July 2019, Epstein was arrested by the FBI on federal charges of sex trafficking involving minors. He was found dead in his Manhattan jail cell the following month while awaiting trial, in what was officially ruled a suicide. The ongoing investigations into Epstein’s network and the role of associates like Maxwell have continued to draw public attention, with federal and congressional scrutiny extending well beyond his death.
The release of the FBI document coincided with developments involving Maxwell herself. The 64-year-old UK-born socialite, who was convicted of sex trafficking charges and is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence in a medium-security Texas facility, invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination during a closed-door virtual deposition before the House Oversight Committee. Maxwell declined to answer questions regarding her friendship with Epstein or her involvement in the trafficking of young women and girls. Her attorney stated that she would speak freely if granted clemency by Trump, though the White House has confirmed that no such action is currently under consideration. Trump previously stated he would “take a look” at the matter but clarified that he had not made any decisions, noting that he would speak to the Justice Department before considering any action.
The FBI document detailing Trump’s 2006 call to Reiter offers a complex portrait of the interplay between wealthy social networks and law enforcement. While Trump’s statements characterize him as supportive of efforts to stop Epstein and focused on Maxwell as a key figure, the broader context highlights the challenges faced by local authorities and victims in prosecuting a powerful and well-connected individual. It also underscores the tension between public perception and private relationships, as Epstein had cultivated connections with political figures, celebrities, and high-profile socialites while allegedly engaging in serious criminal activity.
Reiter’s recounting further illustrates the difficulty of navigating cases involving influential individuals who contribute to local institutions. Epstein’s donations to the police department, while ostensibly supportive of law enforcement initiatives, appear intertwined with efforts to maintain a favorable public image. The contrast between Epstein’s public generosity and his private criminal conduct became a recurring theme in media coverage and legal analyses. Law enforcement officials, including Reiter, had to balance the credibility of emerging victims, the influence of state prosecutors, and the social power wielded by Epstein and his associates, which ultimately affected the trajectory of early investigations.
The 2006 phone call from Trump, as summarized in the FBI document, represents one of the earliest known interventions by a high-profile individual encouraging law enforcement attention on Epstein and Maxwell. It reflects both the potential for influential figures to impact criminal investigations and the limitations of such interventions in the face of systemic challenges, including prosecutorial skepticism and the difficulties victims face in being taken seriously. The document adds to a growing body of evidence that continues to examine the role of powerful networks in facilitating or obscuring criminal behavior.
In sum, the newly released FBI summary paints a picture of Trump as an individual who acknowledged Epstein’s criminal behavior, expressed relief that authorities were acting, and explicitly called attention to Maxwell’s role in the illicit activities. It also reinforces the historical record of Palm Beach law enforcement’s early encounters with Epstein, the contributions and influence of the financier, and the persistent difficulties in securing justice for victims. The context surrounding Maxwell’s ongoing legal situation and her invocation of the Fifth Amendment further illustrates the long-lasting impact of Epstein’s criminal enterprise and the complex legal and social dynamics that continue to surround those involved.
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This document, along with other files released by the Justice Department, provides a detailed historical record of how investigations into Epstein and his associates unfolded, the interactions between law enforcement and social elites, and the challenges of navigating legal accountability in cases involving individuals with significant wealth and influence. It underscores the persistent public interest in understanding the full scope of Epstein’s network and the roles played by figures like Maxwell and Trump in the early stages of exposure and investigation.
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.
