Key Points
- Elon Musk deleted a tweet alleging Donald Trump’s name appears in the Epstein files, fueling speculation about motives and fallout.
- The deleted post came amid a heated public feud between Musk and Trump over a controversial spending bill and political influence.
- The White House and Trump’s camp dismissed Musk’s claims; Musk’s actions seen as possible damage control or attempt to de-escalate tensions.
- The feud has affected Tesla’s stock and drawn widespread attention from media, political circles, and the public.
- Musk has also deleted other anti-Trump tweets and floated the idea of launching a new political party, “The America Party.”
Washington: Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has deleted a controversial tweet in which he alleged that US President Donald Trump’s name appears in the confidential “Epstein files.” The post, which Musk shared on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, claimed that Trump’s inclusion in the files was the reason they had not been made public.
“Now it’s time to drop a really big bomb: @realDonaldTrump’s name is in the Epstein files. This is the main reason why it was stopped from being made public. Have a nice day, DJT!” Musk wrote in the now-removed post.
The post was deleted by Saturday morning, with users now greeted by a “Sorry, that post has been deleted” message when attempting to view it. Musk’s removal of the tweet is widely seen as an effort to reduce tensions and possibly repair his relationship with Trump, though the fallout from the accusation continues to reverberate in political and business circles.
Background: How the Musk-Trump Clash Began
The public spat erupted after Musk sharply criticized Trump’s “Big Beautiful Spending Bill,” which included cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs and eliminated electric vehicle tax credits directly impacting Musk’s Tesla business. Trump responded by expressing disappointment in Musk and threatening to revoke federal contracts with Musk’s companies. Musk, in turn, escalated the feud by making the Epstein files allegation and suggesting Trump should be impeached.
Fallout and Political Ramifications
- White House Response: The White House dismissed Musk’s claims as baseless, with Trump’s press secretary calling it “an unfortunate episode from Elon, who is unhappy with the bill because it does not include the policies he wanted”.
- Political Impact: The feud has divided Republican circles and created a media frenzy, with speculation about Musk’s political ambitions and his influence on the GOP.
- Market Reaction: Tesla shares dropped over 14% during the height of the dispute, erasing more than $150 billion in value before partially recovering.
Musk’s Next Moves: New Party and Damage Control
In the wake of the controversy, Musk deleted several anti-Trump tweets, including his endorsement of Trump’s impeachment and support for JD Vance as a replacement. He also launched a poll on X about forming a new centrist political party, later announcing the proposed “America Party,” which received overwhelming support from his followers.
Where Things Stand Now
Despite rumors of a reconciliation call, Trump publicly dismissed the idea, saying he had “no plans” to speak with Musk and calling him “a man who has lost his mind”. The feud, which once featured mutual support and collaboration, has now devolved into one of the most high-profile political and business clashes of the year.
Elon Musk’s deletion of his explosive claim linking Donald Trump to the Epstein files marks a dramatic twist in their ongoing public feud. The dispute, rooted in policy disagreements and personal slights, has spilled into social media and affected both political dynamics and financial markets. While Musk’s motives for deleting the tweets remain speculative, the episode underscores the volatile relationship between two of America’s most influential figures.
