Former Trump adviser Elon Musk is using his massive social media megaphone to fan the controversy surrounding the administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, jabbing at the president in the latest example of their widening rift.
Musk, the world’s richest man, has repeatedly posted about Epstein in recent days on X, where he has 222 million followers.
After Trump described the Epstein saga as a “hoax,” Musk wrote July 17: “Wow I can’t believe Epstein killed himself before realizing it was all a hoax.”
Musk also shared a post by U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Kentucky, promoting legislation that would require the government to release all documents related to Epstein, a wealthy convicted sex offender who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges.
The Trump administration’s attempt to close the book on Epstein, after some of his top officials ginned up expectations of blockbuster revelations, has enflamed parts of the MAGA base, who have speculated about a potential Epstein “client list” that the government is shielding from public view.
The Justice Department released a memo July 7 stating that a “systematic review” of documents “revealed no incriminating ‘client list,'” and “no further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted.”
Musk is among those who aren’t satisfied.
“The government MUST have the list of rapists aka ‘the Epstein client list’ in their possession,” Musk wrote on social media July 17.
As their relationship unraveled last month, Musk made a shocking accusation about Trump, alleging his name appeared in the government’s files on Epstein.
“Time to drop the really big bomb,” Musk said in a June 5 post on X. “@realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT!”
Musk didn’t provide any evidence and the White House responded that he was just upset that Trump’s signature bill didn’t include his priorities. Since then the Epstein controversy has become a major issue for Trump as backlash builds following the release of the DOJ memo.
Musk has been eager to highlight the issue, having broken with Trump and frequently criticized him after serving as one of his top advisers during the first few months of his second term. Musk recently announced a new political party, the America Party, amid his strident criticism of Trump’s signature legislation.
Contributing: Aysha Bagchi
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Elon Musk promotes Jeffrey Epstein controversy, jabs at Donald Trump
