Musk alleges the former president is named in Epstein’s web of abuse, hinting this as the real reason the files remain sealed
By Amjad Qaimkhani
WASHINGTON: The dramatic fallout between U.S. President Donald Trump and tech magnate Elon Musk has burst into full view, unleashing a political and corporate firestorm that’s rattled markets and exposed deep personal animosities. Once publicly aligned on policy and innovation, the two are now locked in a highly personal battle that has already shaken investor confidence, sending Tesla’s stock into a nosedive with a 17.6% drop.
At the heart of the clash is Musk’s explosive accusation tying Trump to the long-suppressed Jeffrey Epstein files. Musk alleges the former president’s name appears among those linked to Epstein’s web of sexual crimes involving minors—a claim Musk suggests explains why the files remain unreleased. “The truth will come out,” he declared, urging Trump’s impeachment and proposing Senator J.D. Vance as a replacement president. The allegations have electrified online spaces and media circuits but remain unverified by official channels.
The feud ignited further after Trump publicly branded Musk “crazy” and claimed he had forced him out of his administration. In response, Musk warned of a looming “big bomb” to come. Trump, in turn, accused Musk of being furious over the revocation of electric vehicle mandates, framing it as a win for consumer choice and a cost-saving measure. He even threatened to cancel federal contracts with SpaceX and Tesla, marking a sharp shift from past collaboration.
Musk didn’t back down, daring Trump to follow through on the threats and warning that halting SpaceX’s Dragon missions could endanger U.S. astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Musk’s counterthreat highlights how deeply his companies are embedded in national infrastructure and space programs.
Adding fuel to the fire, Musk revisited his controversial role in the 2024 election, asserting that without his support, Trump would have lost. He claimed his influence helped Republicans narrowly hold the Senate, and cited his $290 million contribution to the Republican campaign as proof of loyalty—loyalty he now says was repaid with ingratitude. He even recounted how he stood by Trump during an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania, an act he believes has been swiftly forgotten.
