Trump in the Epstein Files? What's behind Musk's brutal attack

After being sharply attacked by Trump during his press conference with Merz, Musk fired back that evening – at X, of course. "It's time to drop the really big bombshell. Trump is in the Epstein Files. This is the real reason they weren't released. Have a great day, DJT," the Tesla CEO wrote, immediately following up. "Bookmark this post for the future. The truth will come out."

The name "Epstein Files" comes from US billionaire Jeffrey Epstein. He was first convicted in 2008 for the sexual abuse of numerous girls and young women, whom he allegedly also supplied to celebrities such as Britain's Prince Andrew.

The billionaire was known for his contacts with numerous influential figures. These included Rupert Murdoch, Tony Blair, Michael Jackson, Alec Baldwin, the Kennedy family, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Bill Gates, and Donald Trump. Epstein allegedly earned "many millions" in the 1990s through his business dealings with Gates and Trump, the British "Evening Standard" reported in 2001.

In July 2019, Epstein was arrested again on renewed allegations that he ran a child sexual exploitation ring. Before a trial could take place, however, Epstein was found dead in his prison cell on August 10, 2019. According to authorities, he took his own life.

The Epstein Files themselves are a large collection of various documents, such as files, witness statements, lists, calendars, and emails related to the investigation against Epstein. However, only some of these have been published.

In early 2024, court documents in the Epstein case were released for the first time . These included, among other things, the identities of around 180 people allegedly connected to Epstein and his ex-girlfriend and accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. In addition to other prominent names, such as former US President Bill Clinton, the documents also include the name Donald Trump. However, he is not accused of any wrongdoing.

In February 2025, Attorney General Pam Bondi, appointed by Trump, released additional files that are part of the Epstein Files. These included, for example, an evidence list, flight logs, and an address book that were used in the trial against Maxwell. Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years in prison in June 2022. However, the releases did not contain any new information. According to the department, most of the information was already publicly known.

The "bombshell" Musk is talking about, if it exists, lies in the previously unpublished pages of the Epstein Files. Thousands of pages remain sealed, for reasons unclear. The Department of Justice claims that the FBI has not yet turned over the pages. The department has not given a reason for this.

However, there is also a connection between Trump and Epstein outside of the files. Before the 2016 US elections, which Trump won, he was accused under oath of raping a 13-year-old girl in Epstein's New York townhouse in 1994. However, the charges were dropped shortly afterward because the victim was allegedly threatened.

One thing, however, remains completely unclear: what Elon Musk actually knows. The Tesla CEO has yet to follow up on his suggestion Thursday evening via X. It's entirely possible that his suggestion was merely a retaliation against Trump. The US President himself has not yet commented on Musk's allegations. Only the publication of the entire Epstein files could bring clarification.