A Timely Call During the Early Investigation (Image Credits: Pixabay)
Palm Beach, Florida – Documents from the Justice Department’s Epstein files have surfaced accounts of a phone call placed by Donald Trump to the local police chief nearly two decades ago, amid the initial probe into Jeffrey Epstein’s activities.[1][2]
A Timely Call During the Early Investigation
Local authorities in Palm Beach launched an investigation into Epstein in 2005 after reports emerged of underage girls visiting his waterfront mansion. The case gained traction the following year when state charges surfaced publicly. It was then, in July 2006, that Trump reached out to Police Chief Michael Reiter.[3]
Reiter, who oversaw the department from 2003 to 2009, later recounted the conversation to FBI agents. Trump expressed relief at the police action, according to the chief’s account. He reportedly stated that Epstein’s conduct with young girls had long been an open secret in social circles spanning Florida and New York.[1]
Trump also shared that he had banned Epstein from his Mar-a-Lago club. Reiter described Trump as one of the first individuals to contact the department after news of the charges broke.
Details from Reiter’s FBI Interview
In October 2019, two months after Epstein’s death in federal custody, Reiter spoke with FBI agents about case files he had preserved. The resulting report captured his recollection of Trump’s words with precision. Trump allegedly said, “Thank goodness you’re stopping him, everyone has known he’s been doing this.”[2][3]
The former chief further noted Trump’s characterization of Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Trump described her as an “operative” for Epstein and urged investigators to “focus on her,” calling her “evil.” He also mentioned a single encounter at Epstein’s home where teenagers were present, prompting him to leave immediately.[1]
- Trump’s praise for police efforts against Epstein.
- Claims of widespread awareness in elite circles.
- Ban from Mar-a-Lago due to Epstein’s behavior.
- Warning about Maxwell’s role.
- Personal anecdote of discomfort around teens at Epstein’s.
FBI officials have indicated no independent records verify the call itself.
Trump’s Evolving Ties to Epstein
Trump and Epstein moved in overlapping social spheres during the early 2000s. In a 2002 magazine profile, Trump once called Epstein a “terrific guy” who favored younger women. Their association frayed over time, with Trump later citing Epstein’s attempts to recruit Mar-a-Lago staff as the reason for the exclusion.[1]
By 2019, as Epstein faced renewed federal scrutiny, Trump distanced himself publicly. He stated he had “no idea” about the financier’s crimes and had not spoken to him in years. Similar sentiments emerged regarding Maxwell after her 2020 arrest on trafficking charges.
These recent disclosures contrast with such denials, highlighting Trump’s apparent early familiarity with the allegations.
The Broader Epstein Probe in Palm Beach
Reiter’s team uncovered a pattern of recruitment targeting high school girls for so-called massages at Epstein’s home. Victims described a pyramid-like scheme where one girl brought in others. Surveillance captured young visitors arriving daily.
State prosecutors hesitated, leading Reiter to seek FBI involvement. Epstein ultimately secured a lenient 2007 plea deal, serving minimal jail time with work release privileges. Reiter expressed deep disappointment to agents, viewing it as a systemic failure.[1]
Maxwell, convicted in 2021, received a 20-year sentence for her role. One victim, Virginia Giuffre, had worked at Mar-a-Lago before her recruitment.
Key Takeaways
- Trump contacted police amid 2006 charges, per Reiter’s FBI account.
- Files released by Trump’s Justice Department include the 2019 interview.
- No corroboration exists for the call, but Reiter stands by his recollection.
These revelations from long-sealed files underscore the tangled web of Epstein’s influence and the challenges in pursuing justice. As more documents emerge, questions persist about elite awareness. What do you think about these developments? Share in the comments.
