Ex-Police Chief Claims Trump Knew About Epstein's Behavior in 2006

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A former Florida police chief claims that in 2006, Donald Trump called him and said 'everyone' knew about Jeffrey Epstein's behavior, raising new questions about what the former president knew about Epstein's alleged crimes.

Why it matters

This alleged call, if true, contradicts Trump's previous statements that he had no idea about Epstein's criminal activities. It could further implicate Trump in the Epstein scandal and raise concerns about what the former president may have known and when.

The details

According to an FBI document, the former Palm Beach police chief, Michael Reiter, said Trump called him in 2006 while Reiter's department was investigating Epstein. Reiter claims Trump told him 'everyone has known he's been doing this' and that Trump had thrown Epstein out of Mar-a-Lago. Reiter also said Trump told him Ghislaine Maxwell was Epstein's 'operative' and 'she is evil and to focus on her'.

• In July 2006, Reiter claims Trump called him while the Palm Beach police were investigating Epstein.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The White House has not confirmed the alleged call, and it remains to be seen if there is any corroborating evidence. The Justice Department has said it is not aware of any such evidence. The implications of this alleged call, if true, could be significant for Trump's relationship with Epstein and what the former president knew about his crimes.