Image Source – Deadline
June 6, 2025 – The high-profile beef between tech billionaire Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump has taken an altogether more dramatic and controversial turn. Musk posted on X that the name of former President Donald Trump appears in the Epstein files – the contents of the infamous files connected to Jeffrey Epstein – a financier and convicted sex offender that trafficked and abused dozens of minor girls. The post by Musk – with over 6.4 million views, has created a frenzy with politicians and social media – causing debates surrounding the still sealed Epstein files to reignite.
A Public Accusation on X
On June 6, 2025, at 12:40 a.m., Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, posted on X: “Time to drop the really big bomb: @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been released. Have a nice day DJT!” The post, which tagged Trump directly, ended with a pointed sign off: “Have a nice day DJT!”—an apparent jab at the former president commonly referred to by his initials. Eight minutes later, musk followed-up with a second post: “Mark this post for the future. Truth will come out.”
Once seen as a long-awaited public reckoning of Jeffrey Epstein’s extensive criminal activity, the Epstein files—which contain court filings, depositions, and other records related to Epstein’s criminal enterprise—have remained largely unreleased for years. Epstein, who died in 2019 while awaiting trial, had connections with many powerful individuals, including politicians, businesspeople, and celebrities. While some documents and testimonies have been released or unsealed, a significant portion of the files remains sealed, fueling ongoing speculation and conspiracy theories about their contents.
The Musk-Trump Feud: A History of Tension
The relationship between Musk and Trump has experienced several ups and downs. Musk occasionally praised some of Trump’s business-friendly policies during his presidency, such as tax cuts and deregulation. However, over time, both figures began exchanging public criticism, particularly after Trump left office. In 2022, Musk acquired X (formerly Twitter) and began using the platform to share unfiltered political commentary—often criticizing government policies and figures, drawing backlash from Trump’s base. In response, Trump dismissed Musk as “overrated” and questioned his motivations, particularly regarding Tesla’s push for electric vehicles.
Despite past moments of civility, tensions have escalated more recently. Musk has increasingly aligned himself with libertarian and anti-establishment views, while Trump—gearing up for a potential third presidential run in 2024—is reportedly frustrated by Musk’s growing influence on X, where his posts frequently shape public discourse.
The Epstein Files: A Political Firestorm
Musk’s assertion that Trump’s name is present in the Epstein files has further stoked an already contentious topic. Epstein’s network reportedly included many influential figures, and his offenses could be a stain on all of those connected to him. Trurumors Epstein were known to have socialized together in the 1990s and 2000s, with Trump once describing Epstein in a 2002 interview as a “terrific guy.” However, Trump would later distance himself from Epstein, stating that they had a falling out, and even going so far as to ban Epstein from his Mar-a-Lago estate.
While a few documents related to Epstein have referenced Trump in passing, there is no apparent, solid evidence that has emerged publicly linking Trump to any of Epstein’s illegal natures. Musk’s post suggested the sealed files contained incriminating evidence (but provided zero evidence to support the claim). Reaction on X has been explosive, with some calling for the files to be released, while others accused Musk of spreading unfounded rumors as part of a campaign to upend Trump.
Reactions and Implications
Trump has so far not directly addressed Musk’s post. However, sources with knowledge of the former president’s response say he ‘is furious’ and looking to take legal action. According to Trump’s allies, the claim made by Musk is nonsensical and unsubstantiated, especially given Musk’s highly provocative comments on X. While Musk’s supporters say that his access to influential networks may be the reason he has sources regarding the Epstein files, skeptics will point out that Musk has been known to make grand, unsubstantiated claims in the past.
It’s also important to consider the timing of Musk’s post. Trump has been ramping up his political work recently, and any kind of connection to the Epstein scandal can do serious damage to his political capital. The Epstein files themselves are still a focal point of controversy, and with activists and journalists continuing to call for full release of these files while seeking accountability for the victims and transparency in the public space.
What’s Next?
While the Musk-Trump war intensifies, the public is left to wonder the truth behind Musk’s post. Will the Epstein files be released by the courts showing new revelations on Trump and other powerful figures? Or was it simply Musk treating twitter like a game again with a strategic move to dog Trump? Whatever the case, there is no question this fight isn’t over, and the ramifications could change politics for years to come.
In the meantime, Musk’s parting words, “The truth will come out,” are up for all to interpret whilst they wait for the next sensational development in this story.
Sources
- The Independent, “Musk says Trump is ‘in the Epstein files’ in latest dig,” June 6, 2025
- The New York Times, “Elon Musk Suggests Trump Is in Epstein Files, a Source of Conspiracy Theories,” June 6, 2025
- Sky News, “Musk says Trump appears in Epstein files and $150bn wiped off Tesla’s value as row between them explodes,” June 6, 2025
