Elon Musk has launched a dramatic and highly personal attack on Donald Trump, claiming the former US president is named in the sealed files relating to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The accusation, made on Musk’s social media platform X, signals a deepening rift between two of the most influential figures in American business and politics.
“Time to drop the really big bomb,” Musk posted on Thursday. “Donald Trump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT!”
The unverified allegation instantly ignited a firestorm across media and political circles, as speculation mounted over the potential fallout from Musk’s claim. Trump has not been formally linked to any of the Epstein court documents released so far, and the full set of files remains sealed. Nonetheless, Musk’s comments have intensified calls from lawmakers and the public for the unredacted material to be made public.
The public spat marks a stunning reversal in fortunes for a relationship that once appeared mutually beneficial. Trump had previously praised Musk as a visionary and even suggested he could be involved in future Republican policymaking. Musk, for his part, maintained a cautious but cooperative tone, particularly during Trump’s presidency, when Tesla and SpaceX benefited from favourable regulatory and defence contract environments.
But relations soured in recent months. Musk criticised Trump’s proposals for steep spending increases and a rollback of electric vehicle tax credits. In response, Trump threatened to cut billions of dollars in government contracts held by Musk’s companies, accusing the billionaire of disloyalty and labelling him “overrated.”
The row escalated after Trump accused Musk of trying to influence US policy to protect his business empire, particularly in areas of trade, defence, and space technology. Musk’s Epstein allegation now raises the temperature of that feud considerably, turning what was once a quiet disagreement into a high-stakes public brawl.
The White House has responded by dismissing Musk’s comments as “politically motivated nonsense,” insisting that the president remains committed to transparency. Trump allies have described the claims as “desperate deflection,” pointing to Musk’s growing political isolation following a series of controversial statements on social issues.
Meanwhile, Tesla shares took a hit, dropping more than 15% in extended trading following the eruption of the scandal. Investors fear the dispute could further entangle Musk’s companies in political turmoil, particularly if congressional investigations or legal challenges follow.
With the 2024 presidential election cycle heating up, the feud between Musk and Trump is likely to continue playing out on the national stage. Whether Musk’s claim leads to the release of Epstein-related documents remains unclear, but the accusation alone has opened a new and volatile front in America’s culture wars — one that could reshape public perceptions of both men.
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