Supporters of President Donald Trump are struggling to defend him after new details emerged about his knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes. According to a report first published by the Miami Herald, a former Palm Beach police chief told the FBI in 2019 that Trump called him in July 2006. At the time, Epstein’s arrest for sex crimes was widely reported in the news. Trump reportedly said: “Thank goodness you’re stopping him, everyone has known he’s been doing this.” The statement directly conflicts with Trump’s 2019 claim that he “had no idea” about Epstein’s activities. Some of Trump’s supporters, including hosts on a prominent podcast, suggested that the 2006 call meant Trump was acting as a whistleblower. Julie Brown, the journalist who reported the Epstein case extensively and whose work helped trigger the federal prosecutions of Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, clarified the timing on social media. She said the call took place after Epstein’s arrest, not before. Investigations into Epstein by Palm Beach police had been ongoing since 2005. Retired Palm Beach police chief Michael Reiter confirmed that a partially redacted document from the Epstein files reflected his 2019 FBI interview. The document included Reiter’s account of the call from Trump. Supporters have faced challenges reconciling Trump’s comments over the years. In 2006, Trump reportedly described Maxwell as “evil” during the call. Yet in 2020, after Maxwell’s arrest, Trump told reporters: “I just wish her well,” when asked if he expected her to cooperate against powerful figures. The new information adds to a growing list of contradictions in Trump’s statements about Epstein. While he maintained for years that he did not know about Epstein’s crimes, evidence now suggests he was aware of the allegations at least in 2006. Experts say the revelations could have political implications. Statements like Trump’s 2006 call raise questions about his credibility and transparency. Political analysts note that navigating these contradictions has been difficult for Trump’s supporters, as they try to present him in a positive light despite conflicting evidence. The Epstein case remains one of the most high-profile criminal investigations involving powerful figures. Epstein was convicted of sex crimes and his accomplice Maxwell faced charges in connection with facilitating the abuse. Brown’s reporting played a key role in uncovering the details that led to their prosecutions. Trump’s long-standing association with Epstein, coupled with new evidence of his knowledge of the crimes, may intensify public scrutiny. Analysts say voters and observers are likely to examine both his past relationships and the consistency of his public statements. The 2006 call, while brief, highlights the contrast between Trump’s public claims and documented evidence. This gap has become a point of debate among political commentators, journalists, and supporters alike. As the news spreads, Trump supporters have attempted multiple narratives to defend him. Some frame the call as an attempt to applaud law enforcement, while others try to depict it as a sign of proactive concern. Yet experts argue that the evidence points to awareness of criminal activity rather than early reporting or intervention. The Epstein revelations continue to shape public discussions about accountability among high-profile figures. The 2006 call, combined with years of Trump statements, underscores the difficulty in reconciling actions with claims of ignorance. This latest development may influence ongoing debates over ethical responsibility and transparency, particularly for politicians with long histories of interactions with controversial figures.