Ex-Police Chief Says Trump Thanked Him for Epstein Probe in 2006 Call

In Brief

Former Palm Beach police chief claims Trump acknowledged Epstein's behavior and supported investigation in 2006.

Key Facts

• Former Palm Beach police chief Michael Reiter investigated Jeffrey Epstein in the mid-2000s.
• Reiter described a 2006 phone conversation with Donald Trump to the FBI, according to newly released documents.
• Reiter claims Trump told him, 'Thank goodness you're stopping' Epstein during the call.
• Trump allegedly said 'everyone has known he's been doing this' about Epstein's actions.
• The account appears in records released as part of a large Justice Department file on Epstein.

What Happened

Former Palm Beach police chief Michael Reiter reported to the FBI that Donald Trump called him in 2006 during the Epstein investigation. According to Reiter, Trump expressed support for the investigation and said 'everyone has known he's been doing this.' These details were revealed in newly released Justice Department documents.

Why It Matters

The reported conversation provides new insight into Trump's awareness of allegations against Epstein during the original investigation. It contrasts with some of Trump's later public statements about his knowledge of Epstein's activities, raising questions about what was known by prominent figures at the time.