Trump made the claim about the detectives in April 2011, during an interview with NBCs Today show.
I have people that actually have been studying it and they cannot believe what theyre finding, Trump told host Meredith Vieira.
You have people now down there searching, I mean in Hawaii? she asked.
Absolutely, he replied. And they cannot believe what theyre finding.
When ABC News George Stephanopoulos asked him about the investigators later that month, Trump refused to say what they had found.
Its none of your business right now, he said. We are going to see what happens.
CNNs Anderson Cooper also confronted him about the investigation that month.
Can you name even one person who your investigators have talked to? Cooper asked.
I dont want to do that right now, Trump said. Its not appropriate right now.
Tana Goertz, Trumps Iowa campaign chair and a former Apprentice contestant, said last year that the candidate would reveal his findings when the time is right.
Hes never told you about it? Youve never asked him about it? It was unbelievable and you werent curious about it? asked MSNBCs Lawrence ODonnell.
Never was curious once, because hes not a liar. If they found something, it will come out. The time isnt right, and guess what? Mr. Trump does what he wants and hes not going to do it on our time, she replied.
The time apparently still isnt right. More than five years after he first made the claim, Trump hasnt provided any proof that his probe actually happened.