In a recent development from unsealed court documents tied to the Jeffrey Epstein case, details have emerged about a phone conversation between former President Donald Trump and a Florida police chief back in 2006. According to reports, Trump commended law enforcement for pursuing Epstein and highlighted concerns about his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell.

Details from the FBI Interview

The information stems from a 2019 FBI interview with Michael Reiter, the former chief of police in Palm Beach, Florida. In the discussion, Reiter recounted a call from Trump during the early stages of the Epstein investigation. Trump reportedly expressed relief that authorities were intervening, stating something along the lines of, “It’s great that you’re putting a stop to this—everyone’s known about his behavior for a while.” This contrasts with Trump’s public statements that he was unaware of Epstein’s alleged misconduct during their association.

Trump allegedly referred to Maxwell as Epstein’s key “operative” and urged investigators to prioritize her, calling her “evil.” He was described as one of the earliest individuals to reach out to police once news of the probe circulated. Additionally, Trump emphasized his efforts to distance himself from Epstein, particularly after noticing teenagers around him, saying he “left the situation immediately.” He also mentioned that Epstein’s reputation as “disgusting” was well-known among New York circles.

Background on the Document Release

These revelations are part of a massive trove of approximately 3 million documents released by the U.S. Justice Department on January 30, 2026, following a federal mandate for public disclosure. The files, which exceeded their original December 19 deadline, mention Trump over 38,000 times, underscoring his historical social ties to Epstein dating back to the 1980s. Trump once referred to Epstein as “the mysterious Jeffrey” in a 2004 comment.

Their relationship soured in the early 2000s, reportedly after Epstein attempted to recruit staff from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort. One Epstein victim, Virginia Giuffre, claimed she was employed at the club’s spa before being drawn into Epstein’s circle, though she had no issues with the resort itself. Mar-a-Lago officials banned Epstein from the property in 2007, citing his inappropriate use of the spa to approach women.

The documents also touch on other interactions, such as an account from an anonymous victim who was introduced to Trump at a New York event, but clarified that no improper conduct occurred.

Other Notable Figures in the Files

Beyond Trump, the released records reference several high-profile individuals through emails and secondary accounts. For instance, Epstein made unsubstantiated claims about Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates seeking help with a health issue, which Gates’ representatives have denied. There’s also mention of ongoing contact between Epstein and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick post-2008 conviction, though Lutnick has stated he had no further involvement. Additionally, a 2002 email exchange between Maxwell and someone named “Melania” discusses social arrangements in Palm Beach, but it’s uncertain if this refers to Melania Trump.

This unfolding story adds another layer to the complex history surrounding Epstein and his network, shedding light on early warnings and responses from influential figures.