Story perspectives

Trump's 2006 Call: Epstein Crimes and Maxwell's Role Revealed

2/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

DOJ documents reveal in 2006 call in which U.S. President Donald Trump told former Palm Beach police chief Michael Reiter that "everyone" knew Epstein's crimes.
He described Ghislaine Maxwell as "evil" and urged focusing on her role.
Reiter expressed frustration over the lack of prosecution, noting federal immunity granted in 2007.
Maxwell, serving a 20-year sentence, invoked the Fifth Amendment in a House deposition but hinted clemency could clear Trump.

History

Historical Context

In 2007, U.S. Attorney Alexander Acosta controversially granted Jeffrey Epstein a plea deal, allowing him to serve just 13 months for sex crimes, despite a pending indictment with 32 counts. This leniency sparked outrage and raised questions about accountability, especially following revelations about Donald Trump's 2006 interactions with Epstein, highlighting ongoing concerns about the intersection of power and justice in high-profile cases.

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Story summary

DOJ documents reveal in 2006 call in which U.S. President Donald Trump told former Palm Beach police chief Michael Reiter that "everyone" knew Epstein's crimes.
He described Ghislaine Maxwell as "evil" and urged focusing on her role.
Reiter expressed frustration over the lack of prosecution, noting federal immunity granted in 2007.
Maxwell, serving a 20-year sentence, invoked the Fifth Amendment in a House deposition but hinted clemency could clear Trump.

1 / 2