Ex-Police Chief Claimed Trump Knew of Epstein's Actions

Trump allegedly told the chief 'everyone has known he's been doing this' about Epstein's misconduct.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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According to a former Palm Beach police chief, Donald Trump called him in 2006 to say 'everyone has known' about Jeffrey Epstein's misconduct, despite Trump later claiming he had no idea about Epstein's actions. The police chief said Trump also suggested investigating Epstein's associate Ghislaine Maxwell, calling her 'evil'.

Why it matters

This account contradicts Trump's past statements denying knowledge of Epstein's behavior and raises questions about the former president's awareness and potential involvement in the Epstein scandal.

The details

The former police chief, Michael Reiter, told the FBI in 2019 that Trump called him in 2006 after Epstein came under investigation, saying 'Thank goodness you're stopping him; everyone has known he's been doing this.' Trump also suggested the police investigate Epstein's associate Ghislaine Maxwell, calling her 'evil.' Additionally, Trump told Reiter that he was once around Epstein when teenagers were present and 'got the hell out of there'.

  • Trump called the police chief in July 2006 after Epstein came under investigation.
  • Reiter recounted the conversation to the FBI in October 2019, two months after Epstein's death.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, who allegedly called the Palm Beach police chief in 2006 to discuss the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.

Michael Reiter

The former police chief of Palm Beach, Florida, who said Trump called him in 2006 about the Epstein investigation and later recounted the conversation to the FBI.

Jeffrey Epstein

The financier who was under investigation in the 2000s for sex trafficking of minors.

Ghislaine Maxwell

Epstein's associate, whom Trump allegedly told the police chief to investigate, calling her 'evil'.

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What they’re saying

“Thank goodness you're stopping him; everyone has known he's been doing this.”

— Donald Trump (The Seattle Times)

“She is evil.”

— Donald Trump (The Seattle Times)

What’s next

The Justice Department has not yet commented on Reiter's account of his conversation with Trump. It remains to be seen if this new information will lead to any further investigations or legal actions related to Trump's knowledge of Epstein's activities.

The takeaway

This report contradicts Trump's previous denials of knowing about Epstein's misconduct, raising serious questions about the former president's awareness and potential involvement in the Epstein scandal. It underscores the need for continued scrutiny and transparency around the connections between powerful figures and Epstein's alleged sex trafficking ring.