Ex-Police Chief: Trump Called in 2006 on Epstein Probe

A former Palm Beach police chief claims Donald Trump called him in 2006 to praise efforts to investigate Jeffrey Epstein, saying everyone knew about the financier's bad behavior with teenage girls. This happened in Florida as local police looked into Epstein's actions at his Palm Beach home, well before Trump entered politics. The account comes from a 2019 FBI interview with the chief, Michael Reiter, whose name was later made public.

Background

Jeffrey Epstein faced a police probe in 2006 after reports surfaced of him abusing girls at his Palm Beach mansion. Neighbors and victims came forward, leading Palm Beach officers to build a case against him. Epstein, a rich financier, had ties to many powerful people in places like New York and Palm Beach. His club scene drew celebrities, business leaders, and others to events where young girls sometimes appeared.

Michael Reiter led the Palm Beach Police Department at the time. He pushed the investigation forward despite pushback from higher levels. Epstein's lawyers hired private eyes to dig into police and victims. The case drew attention because Epstein knew figures like Trump, who owned Mar-a-Lago nearby. Trump and Epstein moved in the same social circles in the 1990s and early 2000s, attending parties and talking business.

Years later, in 2019, Reiter spoke to FBI agents as part of a review of Epstein files. Epstein had died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. His partner, Ghislaine Maxwell, faced her own charges. Reiter's talk with the FBI laid out what he remembered from 2006. These notes stayed under wraps until recent releases of Epstein documents.

Palm Beach was a hotspot for the wealthy. Epstein's home sat close to Mar-a-Lago, Trump's resort. People there mixed at events, and word spread about Epstein's parties. Reiter's role put him at the center as details leaked to the press.

Key Details

Reiter told FBI agents that Trump reached out by phone in mid-2006, right as the probe hit public view. Trump thanked him for acting against Epstein.

“Thank goodness you’re stopping him. Everyone has known he’s been doing this.”

Trump said he had kicked Epstein out of Mar-a-Lago after learning of his ways. He described Epstein as disgusting, especially his dealings with teenage girls. Trump recalled being near Epstein once with teens around and leaving fast.

Trump also brought up New York, where he said people long knew Epstein's reputation. He pointed police toward Ghislaine Maxwell, calling her Epstein's main helper and saying she was evil.

“She is evil, focus on her.”

Trump's Later Words

In 2019, Trump said he knew nothing of Epstein's crimes. He had cut ties years before. This new account from Reiter shows a different picture from 2006, when Trump seemed aware and supportive of the police work.

The FBI noted no other proof backs Reiter's story of the call. No phone records or witnesses confirm it. Reiter stood by his account in the interview. The report mentions Prince Andrew visiting Palm Beach without much security, tying into Epstein's wider network.

Epstein's 2006 case ended with a plea deal. He served short time for lesser charges despite evidence of many victims. Federal prosecutors stepped in, and the deal drew criticism for being too light.

What This Means

This claim adds to questions about what elites knew of Epstein's actions. Trump positions himself as early to spot issues, barring Epstein from his club and urging police on Maxwell. Yet his 2019 denial of knowledge clashes with the 2006 call details.

Maxwell went on trial and got convicted in 2021 for trafficking. She serves time now. Epstein files keep coming out, showing links to leaders worldwide. Reiter's words suggest talk of Epstein's behavior circulated in high circles long before arrests.

No charges ever hit Trump over Epstein. The FBI calls the call uncorroborated. Still, it paints Trump as clued in during the first big probe. Palm Beach officers felt pressure then, with Epstein's team fighting back hard.

The story highlights how Epstein operated for years. Victims spoke out, but justice took time. Reiter's push in 2006 helped start things, even if the outcome disappointed many. Trump's alleged role shows one prominent name reacting when news broke.

Recent file drops bring old events back. They cover interviews, tips, and logs from years of probes. Each piece fits into Epstein's web of contacts. For Reiter, now retired, this revives his work from two decades ago.

Palm Beach life went on after 2006. Mar-a-Lago stayed a key spot. Epstein faded from local scenes post-plea. But his crimes stayed in memory, fueling later cases. This FBI note from Reiter gives a firsthand view from the start.

Trump's team has not commented on the latest reports. The files stir talk of accountability for those around Epstein. They show patterns of awareness and silence in powerful groups. Reiter's account stands as one piece in a long puzzle.

Epstein's reach touched politics, business, and royalty. The 2006 moment marks an early check on him. Whether Trump's call happened as told remains open, given the lack of backup evidence. It shifts views on timelines of knowledge.