Introduction
The digital clash between Elon Musk and Donald Trump captured headlines as their once-friendly dynamic turned bitterly personal. But one provocative claim stood out from the rhetoric — Musk’s assertion that Trump appears in the “Epstein files.” Given the serious nature of implications surrounding convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, DBUNK was asked to verify whether Musk provided credible evidence or if this was a baseless accusation. Here’s what we found.
Historical Context
Jeffrey Epstein’s name became globally infamous after his 2019 arrest and subsequent death in jail while awaiting trial on federal charges of sex trafficking minors. His social network included politicians, celebrities, and financiers — sparking widespread speculation and the release of partial records like flight logs and an address book. Former President Donald Trump did have a known acquaintance with Epstein in the early 2000s, but no legal action ever implicated him in Epstein’s criminal activities. In 2023, the Department of Justice began reviewing unsealed documents from Epstein’s estate for public release.
Claim #1: Elon Musk claimed Trump is “in the Epstein files.”
Elon Musk wrote on X, “Time to drop the really big bomb: @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public.” This claim requires scrutiny. Publicly released materials such as Epstein’s “black book” and some flight logs do include references to Donald Trump, such as partial contact information and one listing in flight logs, though not to Epstein Island. However, Trump’s inclusion in such documents does not correlate directly with any criminal inference. Furthermore, Musk’s post lacks any new documentation and does not cite new legal files or sealed court documents. ABC News also notes Musk provided zero evidence with his claim.
Verdict: Misleading with missing context. While Trump’s name appears in some public materials related to Epstein, Musk offers no proof supporting a hidden coverup or that Trump is listed in documents beyond those already public.
Claim #2: Musk stated the Epstein files haven’t been released because they implicate Trump.
Musk’s statement implied a deliberate cover-up, saying the real reason the files “have not been made public” was due to Trump’s alleged inclusion. In reality, the Department of Justice has been gradually releasing unsealed documents through federal court orders. As of this fact-check, hundreds of pages — including depositions, email records, and legal filings — have been made public, and none directly implicate Trump with acts connected to Epstein’s crimes.
Verdict: False. The claim suggests intentional withholding of files due to Trump’s name, which is not supported by available evidence or official DOJ communication.
Claim #3: Trump claimed he was never on Epstein’s ‘stupid island’ or plane.
Trump previously stated: “I was never on Epstein’s plane, or at his ‘stupid’ Island.” Reviewing multiple Flight logs from Epstein’s private jet, there are no confirmed entries placing Trump aboard the notorious “Lolita Express” flights, especially not trips to Epstein’s private island in the Virgin Islands. However, social and business interactions between the two in New York were confirmed by photos and interviews prior to 2004, after which Trump distanced himself from Epstein. Notably, in a 2009 deposition, Trump cooperated with attorneys working on a case against Epstein.
Verdict: Mostly true. While Trump did know Epstein, there is no verifiable record of Trump being on Epstein’s plane or island, supporting his statement.
Conclusion
Elon Musk’s explosive accusation that Donald Trump appears in confidential Epstein files is an unverified claim and lacks citation or documentation. While Trump’s name has appeared in previous publicly available records such as Epstein’s contact book and partial logs, there is no evidence they are being withheld due to his involvement. Musk provides no new details or sources, and his statements frame speculation as fact, misleading readers at a time when public trust in information remains fragile.
Although the ABC News article notes Musk’s lack of evidence, the piece could do more to emphasize that the claim itself is baseless and give readers proper clarity. Nonetheless, the article fairly outlines both Musk’s and Trump’s public comments and tensions without amplifying false narratives.
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Link to Original Article
Read the full article on ABC News
