Trump’s 2006 Epstein Call: “Everyone Knew,” Says Ex-Chief

Among the most politically explosive revelations in the February 2026 release of the "Epstein Files" is a document summarizing a 2019 FBI interview with Michael Reiter, the former Police Chief of Palm Beach, Florida. The records detail a previously undisclosed phone call from July 2006, in which Donald Trump—then a private citizen—purportedly told law enforcement that Jeffrey Epstein’s illicit behavior was common knowledge among the elite.

This disclosure has ignited a fierce debate in Washington, as it directly contradicts Trump’s repeated public assertions that he "had no idea" about Epstein’s crimes before the financier’s 2019 arrest.

The Content of the 2006 Call

According to the FBI "302" summary (Document EFTA-FBI-0102), Trump contacted Chief Reiter shortly after Epstein’s first arrest in 2006 for soliciting a minor. Reiter told investigators that Trump expressed relief and provided the following insights:

• The "Everyone Knew" Claim: Trump allegedly remarked, "Thank goodness you’re stopping him, everyone has known he’s been doing this." * New York Socialite Scene: Trump reportedly told the chief that it was well known in New York circles that Epstein was "disgusting" and "was around teenagers."

• The "Hell Out of There" Incident: Trump recounted an instance where he found himself in a room with Epstein and several young girls and stated he "got the hell out of there" immediately.

• Warning About Ghislaine Maxwell: Most notably, Trump allegedly warned Reiter to focus on Maxwell, calling her Epstein’s "operative" and describing her as "evil."

Contradictions and Denials

The 2026 file release highlights a stark disparity between Trump’s private comments to law enforcement and his public statements over the last decade:

The White House and DOJ Stance (2026)

Following the leak, the White House issued a statement on February 10, 2026, pivoting the narrative:

"This document confirms what the President has always said: he was one of the first to recognize Jeffrey Epstein as a predator and took action by banning him from his properties. He reached out to law enforcement to support their investigation into a 'creep' everyone else was protecting."

However, a Department of Justice official clarified to the press that while Reiter’s account was recorded by the FBI in 2019, the agency has no corroborating physical records (such as phone logs or recorded audio) from 2006 to prove the call took place.

Why It Matters in 2026

The Reiter interview has become a centerpiece of the House Oversight Committee hearings. Critics argue it proves Trump was aware of the predatory nature of Epstein's circle for decades, while supporters view it as proof that Trump was "the only one" willing to call out the behavior to the authorities.

As of February 11, 2026, Michael Reiter has declined to comment further on the record, citing the sensitive nature of the ongoing Transparency Act releases.

Source - https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2407jrn83o

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