Trump alerted police on Epstein in the 2000s, records show
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Feb 12, 2026, 20:04 IST
A recent FBI file reveals a phone conversation from the 2000s where Donald Trump commended Palm Beach law enforcement for probing Jeffrey Epstein, prompting new curiosity around his awareness and its timing.
TL;DR
A call once logged by the FBI captures Donald Trump expressing gratitude to Palm Beach law enforcement, praise tied to their probe into Jeffrey Epstein, along with a nudge toward scrutinising Ghislaine Maxwell. Though the Justice Department made the file public, its contents stand apart from prior claims stating Trump had distanced himself from Epstein well before and remained unaware of any wrongdoing.
A fresh FBI file reveals a call placed by ex-President Donald Trump during the 2000s to Palm Beach law enforcement. Officers received remarks commending their scrutiny of Jeffrey Epstein. His behaviour, so stated, carried public awareness at the time. Details emerged through coverage conducted by the Miami Herald.
A written account of an FBI conversation with a retired Palm Beach police leader captures a phone exchange soon after scrutiny around Epstein entered public view. Following news of the inquiry, communication took place where appreciation was voiced toward officers. Relief emerged during discussion, “Thank goodness you’re stopping him,” as stated by Trump. The file notes further comment: awareness had long existed about his conduct, the phrase being “everyone has known he’s been doing this.” Details appear within the official summary.
Later came news through the Miami Herald about an exchange involving Michael Reiter, his identity masked within official files. At the moment referenced, roughly 2006 according to the publication, he held leadership over Palm Beach's police force. That particular transcript surfaced amid vast quantities of material disclosed by federal authorities. Disclosure followed legislative mandate: Congress had pushed new terms for releasing documents connected to Epstein scrutiny.
A file from the FBI indicates Trump referred to how individuals in New York saw Epstein, as someone repulsive. He labelled Ghislaine Maxwell an associate tied closely to Epstein, suggesting attention shift toward her. In that moment, his words pointed investigators elsewhere. At another point, the presence of young people near Epstein prompted him to depart without delay, per the report. Communication from Trump reached local law enforcement early, soon after details emerged. The timing mattered; his call came ahead of most others.
A fresh look at the matter has led to closer examination of Trump’s earlier ties to Epstein, along with questions about what was known regarding Epstein’s offences. At various times, Trump and officials from the White House stated the connection ceased during the early part of the 2000s, describing Epstein using harsh personal terms. Though details remain limited, public interest persists due to the timing and context surrounding their interactions. Statements emphasise distance over recent years, yet records contribute to ongoing discussion.
When asked about the document, the White House directed questions to the Justice Department instead. Despite the claim, no supporting proof has been found by the department regarding Trump reaching out to authorities years prior. Speaking on the matter, someone from Reiter’s firm noted he remains unavailable for discussions currently.
During the 1990s, interactions between Trump and Epstein occurred within shared social environments in Palm Beach. Following a disagreement, access for Epstein at Mar-a-Lago was discontinued. Employee recruitment efforts by Epstein at the property reportedly influenced the separation. Awareness of unlawful activities involving Epstein has been disclaimed by Trump. Relations cooled notably prior to public revelations about Epstein’s actions coming to light.
In July, Trump stated to journalists his disapproval of Epstein bringing in staff from a spa linked to him; following multiple occurrences, exclusion followed. A person possibly brought in, according to Trump at one point, might have been Virginia Giuffre, known for surviving abuse tied to Epstein, though later he claimed uncertainty about exact details.
Contrary to the FBI file stating Trump labelled Maxwell "evil", his response during her 2020 arrest was different; there, he expressed hopes for her well-being. Serving time on federal charges tied to sex trafficking, Maxwell remains incarcerated. Should clemency arise, her legal representative notes she might offer complete testimony. Asked by CNN about such a possibility, Trump stated he had given it no thought, even while leaving the room open. Though mentioned, the idea stood unexamined at that point.
A call once logged by the FBI captures Donald Trump expressing gratitude to Palm Beach law enforcement, praise tied to their probe into Jeffrey Epstein, along with a nudge toward scrutinising Ghislaine Maxwell. Though the Justice Department made the file public, its contents stand apart from prior claims stating Trump had distanced himself from Epstein well before and remained unaware of any wrongdoing.
A fresh FBI file reveals a call placed by ex-President Donald Trump during the 2000s to Palm Beach law enforcement. Officers received remarks commending their scrutiny of Jeffrey Epstein. His behaviour, so stated, carried public awareness at the time. Details emerged through coverage conducted by the Miami Herald.
A written account of an FBI conversation with a retired Palm Beach police leader captures a phone exchange soon after scrutiny around Epstein entered public view. Following news of the inquiry, communication took place where appreciation was voiced toward officers. Relief emerged during discussion, “Thank goodness you’re stopping him,” as stated by Trump. The file notes further comment: awareness had long existed about his conduct, the phrase being “everyone has known he’s been doing this.” Details appear within the official summary.
Later came news through the Miami Herald about an exchange involving Michael Reiter, his identity masked within official files. At the moment referenced, roughly 2006 according to the publication, he held leadership over Palm Beach's police force. That particular transcript surfaced amid vast quantities of material disclosed by federal authorities. Disclosure followed legislative mandate: Congress had pushed new terms for releasing documents connected to Epstein scrutiny.
A file from the FBI indicates Trump referred to how individuals in New York saw Epstein, as someone repulsive. He labelled Ghislaine Maxwell an associate tied closely to Epstein, suggesting attention shift toward her. In that moment, his words pointed investigators elsewhere. At another point, the presence of young people near Epstein prompted him to depart without delay, per the report. Communication from Trump reached local law enforcement early, soon after details emerged. The timing mattered; his call came ahead of most others.
A fresh look at the matter has led to closer examination of Trump’s earlier ties to Epstein, along with questions about what was known regarding Epstein’s offences. At various times, Trump and officials from the White House stated the connection ceased during the early part of the 2000s, describing Epstein using harsh personal terms. Though details remain limited, public interest persists due to the timing and context surrounding their interactions. Statements emphasise distance over recent years, yet records contribute to ongoing discussion.
When asked about the document, the White House directed questions to the Justice Department instead. Despite the claim, no supporting proof has been found by the department regarding Trump reaching out to authorities years prior. Speaking on the matter, someone from Reiter’s firm noted he remains unavailable for discussions currently.
During the 1990s, interactions between Trump and Epstein occurred within shared social environments in Palm Beach. Following a disagreement, access for Epstein at Mar-a-Lago was discontinued. Employee recruitment efforts by Epstein at the property reportedly influenced the separation. Awareness of unlawful activities involving Epstein has been disclaimed by Trump. Relations cooled notably prior to public revelations about Epstein’s actions coming to light.
In July, Trump stated to journalists his disapproval of Epstein bringing in staff from a spa linked to him; following multiple occurrences, exclusion followed. A person possibly brought in, according to Trump at one point, might have been Virginia Giuffre, known for surviving abuse tied to Epstein, though later he claimed uncertainty about exact details.
Contrary to the FBI file stating Trump labelled Maxwell "evil", his response during her 2020 arrest was different; there, he expressed hopes for her well-being. Serving time on federal charges tied to sex trafficking, Maxwell remains incarcerated. Should clemency arise, her legal representative notes she might offer complete testimony. Asked by CNN about such a possibility, Trump stated he had given it no thought, even while leaving the room open. Though mentioned, the idea stood unexamined at that point.