In a dramatic turn of events, Elon Musk has publicly claimed that Donald Trump is “in the Epstein files,” suggesting that the real reason the Epstein files have not been fully released is because of Trump’s connection to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Musk made the statement on X (formerly Twitter) with a provocative post: “Time to drop the really big bomb. @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT!”
Musk’s Bombshell Allegation and Public Feud
Musk followed up his claim, stating, “Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out.” He also shared a 1992 video of Trump and Epstein at a party, adding a raised eyebrow emoji, fueling the speculation about their connection.
This dramatic claim from Musk comes after a public breakdown of his relationship with the former president.
The tension between the two men started following Musk’s departure from his role as a special advisor to the Trump administration. Musk had briefly served as the figurehead of the Department of Government Efficiency, a position Trump later commented on negatively.
Trump criticized Musk, accusing him of “wearing thin” and claiming that Musk had been removed after Trump decided to abandon his electric vehicle mandate. The former president also suggested that Musk’s government subsidies and contracts should be terminated, calling them unnecessary and wasteful.
Trump’s Response to Musk’s Claims
In response to Musk’s claim about the Epstein files, Trump took to his social media to take a dig at Musk, claiming that Musk’s government subsidies and involvement had not benefited his administration.
Trump, who has repeatedly denied involvement with Epstein’s illegal activities, also addressed comments Musk had made about the 2020 election. Musk had previously claimed that without his influence, Trump would have lost Pennsylvania and the Republicans would not have controlled the Senate.
Musk fired back, accusing Trump of ingratitude, adding, “Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate.”
Epstein Files and the Delay in Release
The long-delayed Epstein files have become a focal point for both Trump’s supporters and critics, with some pushing for the full release of the documents.
Attorney General Pam Bondi released a “first phase” of declassified files in February 2024, but the documents were largely already available to the public, leaving many disappointed. Further declassification of the Epstein files has been postponed, with no clear timeline given for their release.
On Truth Social, Trump posted in January 2024 that he “was never on Epstein’s plane, or at his ‘stupid island.’” Trump has long denied any involvement in Epstein’s illegal activities, although he had known Epstein for over 15 years and once called him a “terrific guy” in 2002.
However, the former president’s name has appeared in court filings related to lawsuits involving Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s alleged victims, who took her own life earlier this year. There have been no formal accusations of wrongdoing against Trump in connection with Epstein.
Epstein’s Death and the Impact on High-Profile Figures
Jeffrey Epstein, who had connections with many high-profile figures, including Trump, Bill Clinton, and Prince Andrew, died in 2019 in a New York jail while awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges. Epstein had previously pleaded guilty in 2008 to procuring a minor for prostitution in Florida.