Trump's History With Jeffrey Epstein Detailed in New Files

Newly released Justice Department documents reveal Trump's extensive ties to the convicted sex offender

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Newly released Justice Department documents detail President Donald Trump's long history with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, including allegations that Trump was aware of Epstein's sex trafficking scheme as early as 2006 and that Epstein brought underage girls to Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort. The files include a timeline of interactions between Trump and Epstein dating back to the 1980s.

Why it matters

The revelations in the Epstein files raise serious questions about the extent of Trump's knowledge of and involvement in Epstein's criminal activities, as well as the nature of their relationship over the years. This could have significant political implications for Trump, who has long denied any close ties to Epstein.

The details

The Epstein files, which include over 3 million documents, videos and photos released by the Justice Department, detail a long history between Trump and Epstein dating back to the 1980s when they first met. The files include allegations that Trump was aware of Epstein's sex trafficking scheme as early as 2006, when Trump allegedly told then-Palm Beach police chief Michael Reiter that 'everyone knows' Epstein 'been doing this.' The files also include claims that Epstein brought underage girls to Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort and that Trump was present at parties with Epstein and young women. Additionally, the files contain emails, photos and other evidence suggesting extensive social and business ties between Trump and Epstein over the years.

  • In the 1980s, Trump and Epstein met around the time Trump bought Mar-a-Lago in 1985.
  • In 1989, Trump and Epstein went to Trump's casino in Atlantic City, accompanied by young women, including at least one who was underage.
  • In 2006, Trump allegedly told then-Palm Beach police chief Michael Reiter that 'everyone knows' Epstein 'been doing this.'
  • In 2007, Trump's Mar-a-Lago club claimed Epstein had been banned from the property.
  • In 2019, Epstein died by suicide in his Manhattan jail cell while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who had an extensive social and business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein over several decades.

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted sex offender who was accused of running a sex trafficking scheme involving underage girls, some of whom were allegedly brought to Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort.

Michael Reiter

The former Palm Beach police chief who was investigating Epstein at the time and claims Trump told him 'everyone knows' Epstein 'been doing this.'

Virginia Giuffre

An Epstein victim who claims she was recruited to work at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort and was later groomed by Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell to provide sexual services.

Ghislaine Maxwell

Epstein's longtime associate who was convicted of sex trafficking and other charges related to Epstein's abuse of underage girls.

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What they’re saying

“I knew him like everybody in Palm Beach knew him. I was not a fan of his, that I can tell you.”

— Donald Trump (The New York Times)

“Trump asked me to resign from Mar-a-Lago, but I was never a member ever.”

— Jeffrey Epstein (The New York Times)

“Epstein had told some of his victims that he bailed Trump out of bankruptcy years earlier.”

— Bradley J. Edwards, Attorney who represented Epstein victims (The New York Times)

What’s next

The Justice Department has said it has now released all the Epstein documents it plans to make public, though millions more have been withheld. It remains to be seen if any further revelations about Trump's ties to Epstein will emerge from the trove of documents.

The takeaway

The newly released Epstein files provide a detailed timeline of Trump's long history with the convicted sex offender, raising serious questions about the extent of Trump's knowledge of and potential involvement in Epstein's criminal activities. This could have significant political implications for the former president, who has long denied any close ties to Epstein.