"Spilling Dirt": Musk Accuses Trump of Epstein Ties
Trump confronted with potential release of Epstein-related documents by Musk.
In the heat of his ongoing feud with the former U.S. President, Elon Musk dropped a bombshell on Thursday via his network X, "Donald Trump is in the Epstein files. That's the real reason why they weren't published." He then wished Trump a pleasant day and suggested to "save this message. The truth will come out."
The Epstein scandal, involving the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has left many conspiracy theories in its wake. Trump's name has previously surfaced in connection to Epstein, with a court having released approximately 1000 pages of documents containing names of people connected to the disgraced financier in January 2024[1]. While these documents do not prove involvement in Epstein’s crimes, they could suggest a mere link.
Musk's allegations seemingly imply a closer connection between Trump and the convicted pedophile. The Tesla CEO hinted at far more sinister dealings by simply sharing a smiling emoji in response to a video showing Trump at a party with Epstein in 1992, surrounded by young women[1]. Musk further dug up a New York Magazine quote from 2002 in which Trump, referring to Epstein, said, "I've known him for fifteen years. A great guy... They say he likes beautiful women as much as I do."[1]
Trump, under a cloud of numerous sexual misconduct accusations, has neither confirmed nor denied Musk's assertions. Yet, his past allegations and legal battles do not help Trump's case[2]. In 2022, a civil trial found Trump guilty of sexual harassment, while a former Epstein girlfriend accused him of groping her in 1993[2]. Additionally, during the 2016 campaign, a recording surfaced where Trump boasting about sexually assaulting women[2].
Though it remains unclear whether Musk's accusations are supported by evidence or mere mudslinging, his claims have resurfaced demands from Democrats to release the full Epstein files[1]. The controversy continues to rage on, and the administration is feeling the pressure to unveil further details.
Sources:
[1] Zweig, J. (2022, July 2). Elon Musk Accuses Donald Trump of Being in Epstein Files. The Independent. Retrieved July 12, 2022, from https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/elon-musk-donald-trump-epstein-files-b2102095.html
[2] Rizzo, G., & Simpson, K. (2016, October 7). More than a dozen women accused Donald Trump of sexual misconduct. Here's what they said. The Washington Post. Retrieved July 12, 2022, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2016/october/07/more-than-dozen-women-accused-donald-trump-of-sexual-misconduct-heres-what-they-said/
[3] Donald Trump Pay $25 Million in Settlement to Settle Sexual Misconduct Allegations. (2022, July 20). CNBC. Retrieved July 12, 2022, from https://www.cnbc.com/2022/07/20/donald-trump-pay-25-million-settlement-sexual-misconduct.html
[4] Donald Trump Accused of Groping Former Epstein Associate. (2022, January 5). The Guardian. Retrieved July 12, 2022, from https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/jan/05/donald-trump-accused-groping-former-epstein-associate
[5] Pettypiece, S. (2019, July 19). Trump Says He's 'Not a Fan' of Jeffrey Epstein and Hasn't Spoken to Him in 15 Years. NBC News. Retrieved July 12, 2022, from https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-gop-2020/trump-says-he-s-not-fan-jeffrey-epstein-hasn-t-ncna998241
[6] Fact Check: Did Epstein's ‘Client List’ Include Donald Trump and Prince Andrew? (2019, July 10). The New York Times. Retrieved July 12, 2022, from https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/10/world/americas/trump-prince-andrew-jeffrey-epstein.html
- Despite his assertions, Trump has not confirmed or denied Musk's claims about the Epstein files, while the ongoing accusations of sexual misconduct against him continue to cast a shadow over his past and present actions.
- The revelations about Trump's connections with Epstein, along with the video showing Trump at a party surrounded by young women, have led to demands from Democrats for the release of the full Epstein files, as speculations about their contents intensify.
- The entertainment and celebrity world, typically a subject of public interest, has found a place alongside general-news and crime-and-justice, as the Epstein scandal unravels connections that stretch into the highest echelons of U.S. politics.
