What started as a standard policy spat over electric vehicle subsidies has now spiraled into a no-holds-barred political brawl between two titans of American power — President Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk. But what shocked the political world Thursday wasn’t a debate over legislation. It was Musk’s stunning, evidence-free accusation that President Trump is named in the unreleased Jeffrey Epstein files.
“Time to drop the really big bomb: @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files,” Musk posted to his 200+ million followers on X. “That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT!” Musk then doubled down, telling his audience to “mark this post for the future,” saying the truth will eventually emerge. No evidence, no names, no receipts — just Musk tossing a digital grenade into the news cycle.
Time to drop the really big bomb:@realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public.
Have a nice day, DJT!
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 5, 2025
The move marks a serious escalation in what’s become an increasingly personal feud. Musk, once an informal ally of Trump and even floated by some as a future cabinet pick, has turned into a fierce critic of the president’s newly proposed $1.6 trillion “One Big, Beautiful Bill.” The bill slashes EV subsidies, introduces fees for electric vehicle owners, and throws cold water on Musk’s business model. Musk called it a “disgusting abomination,” accusing the Trump administration of gutting clean energy while spending recklessly.
Trump hit back in classic Trump style, saying Musk is only angry because his companies stand to lose billions. “Elon knew the inner workings of this bill better than almost anybody,” Trump said Thursday. “All of a sudden, he had a problem — after the EV mandate was cut.”
Musk responded by denying any insider knowledge, claiming the bill was rammed through Congress before anyone could read it. Now, he’s calling on Congress to kill the bill and telling his fans to get on the phone with their representatives.
Meanwhile, Trump is threatening to end all federal subsidies and contracts to Musk’s businesses, saying on Truth Social that cutting off Musk is the “easiest way to save money in our Budget.”
But Musk’s Epstein accusation is another beast entirely. While Attorney General Pam Bondi released a heavily redacted portion of the Epstein files earlier this year, much of the material — especially anything truly explosive — remains under wraps. Bondi has demanded the FBI hand over the rest, but the bureau has largely stonewalled.
With no evidence and no new names released, Musk’s accusation has the feel of a personal nuke — not a whistleblowing moment. And now, with two powerhouses of the American Right openly at war, the only winner might be the chaos.