Trump praised Epstein probe in 2006, called Maxwell 'evil,' files reveal

2026-02-11 - 12:25

Recently unsealed documents from the U.S. Justice Department's Jeffrey Epstein file release reveal that Donald Trump—then a private citizen—reached out to Florida law enforcement in 2006 to commend their investigation into the convicted sex offender. Former Palm Beach Police Chief Michael Reiter recounted the conversation to the FBI in 2019, stating Trump told him: "Thank goodness you're stopping him, everyone has known he's been doing this." Trump Directed Attention to Maxwell According to the memorandum documenting their exchange, Trump specifically urged investigators to focus on Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's longtime associate, whom he described as "evil." Maxwell was convicted in 2022 on sex trafficking charges and is serving a 20-year prison sentence. When asked last year about a potential presidential pardon for Maxwell, Trump acknowledged his authority to grant one but stated no formal request had been presented to him. Recalling Epstein Encounters The former police chief's account includes Trump's assertion that Epstein's conduct was widely discussed in New York social circles. Trump reportedly characterized the financier as "disgusting" and described a single encounter where teenagers were present, claiming he promptly departed. Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to procuring a minor for prostitution in what critics have long condemned as a lenient plea arrangement. Document Release and Criticism The Justice Department released over 3 million pages of Epstein-related records in late January, approximately half of its total collection. The files reference numerous high-profile individuals including current and former officials, foreign royals, and business leaders. Authorities caution that inclusion does not imply knowledge of or participation in Epstein's criminal activities. Survivors and victims' families have condemned the release as incomplete, alleging it violates statutory transparency requirements.