Tech billionaire Elon Musk rekindled tensions with an old friend, Donald Trump, by calling for the President to release Jeffrey Epstein files, as promised. Elon Musk’s outspoken criticism followed Donald Trump calling for his base to end all attention about the Epstein affair and coming to the defense of Attorney General Pam Bondi.
The growing drama has generated outrage throughout the MAGA base, fueling accusations of cover-ups and sharpening GOP infighting before the 2026 midterms.
Musk Blasts Trump’s Mixed Signals
Elon Musk tweeted on X, satirising Trump’s contradictory position. “He spoke ‘Epstein’ six times during an instruction to everybody to shut up about Epstein,” Musk typed. “Just release the files as promised.”
His remarks were in reaction to a Truth Social post by Trump, who asserted that critics were wasting energy on Epstein. Trump also blamed former presidents Obama and Biden, and Hillary Clinton, saying that they “created” the Epstein files.
Musk’s tweet fueled already present tension between the two. Theirs was a soured relationship following Musk’s public denouncement of Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” on tax and spending overhauls. Trump hit back by threatening Tesla and SpaceX with federal contracts.
Tensions Escalated After Deleted Accusation
The rivalry darkened in the early months of the year when Musk accused Donald Trump’s administration of concealing Epstein documents because they would include Trump’s name. Musk subsequently removed the tweet, confessing he “went too far.”
Nonetheless, the charge left its mark, fueling public skepticism about the administration’s refusal to turn over promised documents during the campaign.
Trump Defends Pam Bondi Amid Party Split
Trump defended Attorney General Pam Bondi. “LET PAM BONDI DO HER JOB — SHE’S GREAT!” he tweeted. He said America had progressed from being “dead” to “the hottest country” during his tenure and instructed his fans not to waste their time over Epstein.
Pam Bondi previously stated a “client list” from the Epstein case sat on her desk and would be considered for release. But a new memo from the FBI and DOJ disagreed with her, saying Epstein did it alone and there is no list.
MAGA Base and GOP Leaders in Open Revolt
Far-right critics such as Laura Loomer labeled Bondi an “embarrassment” and called for Trump to fire her. Steve Bannon, the former Trump adviser, issued a warning that Republicans could lose up to 40 seats in the House of Representatives during the 2026 midterms because they bungled the Epstein case.
Meanwhile, Trump’s core base continues to push conspiracy theories about the “Deep State” protecting elites connected to Epstein. The administration’s failure to deliver transparency has left many feeling betrayed.
Fallout Raises Stakes Ahead of 2026
As Musk becomes a shrill critic and other top GOP players enter the chorus of discontent, the Epstein files saga is unfolding as a credibility test for Trump. The next move by the administration may decide whether Trump reasserts authority over his divided base, or watches the Epstein scandal unravel into an expensive political debacle.
