Elon Musk intensified his public feud with President Donald Trump over the weekend, calling on him to “just release the files as promised” in reference to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Musk’s remarks came in response to Trump’s Saturday Truth Social post defending Attorney General Pam Bondi, who has faced growing backlash from the MAGA base for her handling of the long-promised Epstein disclosures.
“Seriously. He said ‘Epstein’ half a dozen times while telling everyone to stop talking about Epstein,” Musk wrote on X. “Just release the files as promised.”
Why It Matters
The Epstein case has become a major wedge issue inside the MAGA movement—once a unifying symbol of anti-elite sentiment, now a source of internal revolt. Supporters say Trump promised transparency. But with the Justice Department recently announcing no Epstein “client list” exists, many now feel betrayed.
Conservative strategist Steve Bannon has warned the Epstein controversy could cost Republicans “40 House seats” in 2026 if the files aren’t released.
The Fallout
Trump’s attempt to shift focus away from Epstein has backfired—especially among influencers and donors like Musk. The Tesla CEO donated over $250 million to support Trump’s 2024 campaign, but their relationship soured over disagreements on Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, a sweeping tax-and-spending package pushed through Congress with Vice President JD Vance’s tie-breaking vote.
Tensions escalated last month when Musk posted—and later deleted—a bombshell accusation:
“Time to drop the really big bomb: @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That’s the real reason they haven’t been made public. Have a nice day, DJT!”
Musk later admitted he “went too far,” but has continued to pressure Trump for full disclosure.
What the Government Says
The DOJ and FBI recently completed a joint review of Epstein-related records. Their findings:
- Epstein died by suicide in federal custody in 2019.
- No evidence of a “client list” exists.
- Most records shared earlier this year were already public.
Pam Bondi, during a February press event, had fueled speculation that such a list was forthcoming. The lack of new revelations has enraged parts of the MAGA base—many of whom saw Epstein’s alleged network as a symbol of elite corruption.
Trump’s Response
At a cabinet meeting last week, Trump interrupted Bondi when asked about Epstein:
“Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? This guy’s been talked about for years. We’ve got Texas. We’ve got real issues. And people are still talking about this creep?”
On Truth Social Saturday, he doubled down:
“What’s going on with my ‘boys’ and ‘gals?’ They’re all going after Pam Bondi, who is doing a FANTASTIC JOB! We’re on one Team, MAGA… and ‘selfish people’ are trying to hurt it—all over a guy who never dies, Jeffrey Epstein.”
That post was widely criticized—even on Truth Social—marking a rare internal revolt and Trump’s first ratioed post on the platform.
What People Are Saying
- Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary: “President Trump is proud of Attorney General Bondi’s efforts… The continued fixation on sowing division in his Cabinet is baseless.”
- FBI/DOJ joint memo: “No further disclosure [of Epstein-related materials] would be appropriate or warranted.”
- Steve Bannon, on War Room: “You’re playing with fire. If these files aren’t released, Trump is going to lose the populist right.”
What Happens Next
Musk’s challenge to Trump signals a broader unraveling inside the MAGA coalition. Once united by a shared distrust of elites and the promise of “draining the swamp,” the movement now faces deepening rifts over Epstein and the perceived failures of Trump’s second-term agenda.
Whether Trump regains control of his fractured base—or watches it splinter further—may determine the shape of the 2026 midterm battlefield.
