White House Struggles to Explain Trump's Epstein Phone Call

Press Secretary Leavitt can't confirm if Trump called police about Epstein's crimes in 2006.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has struggled to explain whether former President Donald Trump knew about Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking operation, after newly unearthed files revealed discrepancies in Trump's story. Leavitt baffled reporters by describing a 2006 phone call, in which Trump allegedly informed Palm Beach's police chief about Epstein's activities, as something that 'may or may not have happened.'

Why it matters

The revelations about Trump's potential knowledge of Epstein's crimes raise questions about the former president's relationship with the disgraced financier, who was a close friend of Trump's for years. The White House's inability to provide a clear explanation has fueled concerns about Trump's transparency and accountability regarding his ties to Epstein.

The details

According to a newly uncovered document, Trump called the Palm Beach police chief in July 2006, just as Epstein's first criminal sex charge became public, to inform him that Epstein's activities were well known. Trump also reportedly referred to Epstein's accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell as the sex offender's 'operative' and told the police chief that 'she is evil and to focus on her.' However, when asked about the call, Leavitt could not confirm whether it actually took place.

  • In July 2006, Epstein's first criminal sex charge became public.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president, who was close friends with Jeffrey Epstein for years.

Karoline Leavitt

The current White House press secretary, who has struggled to explain Trump's relationship with Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late financier who was convicted of sex trafficking and had a close relationship with Trump.

Ghislaine Maxwell

Epstein's alleged accomplice, who was referred to by Trump as Epstein's 'operative'.

Virginia Giuffre

A sex trafficking victim who accused Prince Andrew of assaulting her and was allegedly 'stolen' by Epstein from Mar-a-Lago.

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What they’re saying

“What the president has always remained consistent in is that he kicked Jeffrey Epstein out of his club at Mar-a-Lago because frankly Jeffrey Epstein was a creep.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary

“And unlike many other people who are named in these files, the president cut off his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and was honest and transparent about that for years and years.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary

The takeaway

The White House's inability to provide a clear explanation about Trump's relationship with Epstein and his potential knowledge of the sex offender's crimes has fueled concerns about the former president's transparency and accountability. The revelations raise questions that the administration has struggled to address, underscoring the need for further investigation and scrutiny.