Elon Musk has launched a wave of online criticism against President Donald Trump, targeting the administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. The tech billionaire flooded his social media platform, X, with over 35 posts and reposts criticizing the Trump administration's handling of Epstein files since Wednesday, July 16.
Musk’s attacks come just weeks after stepping down as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a position he held under the Trump administration. His posts accuse Trump of hiding key information related to Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in jail in 2019.
Also Read: Who was Felix Baumgartner, the skydiver who broke the sound barrier, and what caused his sudden death in Italy?
The “Epstein files” refer to court documents, investigation records, flight logs, and other materials linked to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
These documents are believed to contain the names of people associated with Epstein, including those who may have flown on his private jets or visited his properties.
While some documents have been released over the years, many remain sealed or heavily redacted, sparking public demands for full disclosure.
The controversy began when the Trump administration announced last week (July 9) it would not release further documents connected to the Epstein case, despite earlier promises to do so.
The decision angered many Trump supporters, including Musk, who called the move "a cover-up."
He posted on X: “So many powerful people want that list suppressed,” referring to public calls for the release of Epstein’s flight logs and alleged client names.
In several posts, Musk even turned to X's in-house AI chatbot, Grok, to ask about the Epstein files. Grok responded that the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) hold extensive flight logs from Epstein's private jets.
Musk also reposted an image of White House binders labeled “Epstein files: Phase 1” that had been distributed to influencers earlier this year, asking: “Where is Phase 2?”
Musk, once a top donor to Trump’s 2024 campaign, had played a major role in the administration’s cost-cutting reforms before resigning in May. Their relationship has soured in recent weeks, marked by public exchanges on X.
Trump, responding to Musk's criticism, wrote on his own platform earlier that Musk had gone “off the rails” and described the billionaire as a “train wreck.”
Asked about Musk’s posts during a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president remains in contact with many voices, including supporters and critics. However, she reaffirmed confidence in Trump’s leadership, calling on Americans to "trust in President Trump."
Musk’s attacks come just weeks after stepping down as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a position he held under the Trump administration. His posts accuse Trump of hiding key information related to Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in jail in 2019.
Also Read: Who was Felix Baumgartner, the skydiver who broke the sound barrier, and what caused his sudden death in Italy?
The “Epstein files” refer to court documents, investigation records, flight logs, and other materials linked to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
These documents are believed to contain the names of people associated with Epstein, including those who may have flown on his private jets or visited his properties.
While some documents have been released over the years, many remain sealed or heavily redacted, sparking public demands for full disclosure.
What sparked Musk’s X outburst?
The controversy began when the Trump administration announced last week (July 9) it would not release further documents connected to the Epstein case, despite earlier promises to do so.
The decision angered many Trump supporters, including Musk, who called the move "a cover-up."
He posted on X: “So many powerful people want that list suppressed,” referring to public calls for the release of Epstein’s flight logs and alleged client names.
Musk uses Grok to question Trump
In several posts, Musk even turned to X's in-house AI chatbot, Grok, to ask about the Epstein files. Grok responded that the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) hold extensive flight logs from Epstein's private jets.
Musk also reposted an image of White House binders labeled “Epstein files: Phase 1” that had been distributed to influencers earlier this year, asking: “Where is Phase 2?”
Trump-Musk relationship
Musk, once a top donor to Trump’s 2024 campaign, had played a major role in the administration’s cost-cutting reforms before resigning in May. Their relationship has soured in recent weeks, marked by public exchanges on X.
Trump, responding to Musk's criticism, wrote on his own platform earlier that Musk had gone “off the rails” and described the billionaire as a “train wreck.”
White House responds
Asked about Musk’s posts during a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president remains in contact with many voices, including supporters and critics. However, she reaffirmed confidence in Trump’s leadership, calling on Americans to "trust in President Trump."
