FBI Transcripts Reveal Trump Called Ghislaine Maxwell 'Evil' in Private

Newly unsealed documents offer rare glimpse into former president's reaction to Epstein scandal

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Newly unsealed FBI interview transcripts from 2016 reveal that former President Donald Trump privately described Ghislaine Maxwell as 'evil' during questioning related to the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case. The documents offer a rare glimpse into Trump's initial reactions to the unfolding scandal and his association with the key figures involved.

Why it matters

This revelation adds another layer to the complex narrative surrounding the Epstein case and its far-reaching implications. The contrast between Trump's private comments to the FBI and his public statements minimizing his association with Epstein and Maxwell raises questions about his transparency and evolving narrative on the scandal.

The details

The interview, conducted as part of the investigation into Epstein's activities, focused on Trump's knowledge of Maxwell and her role in facilitating Epstein's alleged crimes. While Trump maintained he had limited direct knowledge of the abuse, the transcripts show he repeatedly used the term 'evil' when referring to Maxwell, describing her as a 'manipulative person' and expressing surprise at the extent of the allegations against her.

  • The FBI interview was conducted in 2016 as part of the investigation into Epstein's activities.

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who was interviewed by the FBI as part of the Epstein investigation.

Ghislaine Maxwell

A British socialite who was convicted in 2021 on multiple counts of sex trafficking, conspiracy, and perjury related to her involvement in Epstein's crimes.

Jeffrey Epstein

An American financier who was convicted of sex crimes and accused of running a sex trafficking network that involved numerous high-profile individuals.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The Department of Justice continues to investigate potential co-conspirators and those who may have covered up Epstein's crimes, and the transcripts may be relevant to ongoing efforts to identify and assist victims of Epstein's trafficking network.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex and far-reaching implications of the Epstein scandal, as well as the need for continued transparency and accountability in high-profile investigations involving powerful individuals.