Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has publicly accused Steve Bannon, former chief strategist to President Donald Trump, of being connected to Jeffrey Epstein. The accusation, made on July 8, 2025, on X, intensifies the ongoing discord between Musk and the Trump administration.
Musk's statement, a direct response to Bannon's calls for Musk's arrest and deportation, highlighted the deepening rift. The feud began earlier this year when Musk opposed the administration's proposed tax cuts, labeling them an "abominable" plan.
The conflict escalated when Musk alleged Trump was mentioned in the "Epstein files." Bannon's past association with Epstein, including filming footage and providing media training, adds complexity. The Trump administration has not yet responded to Musk's allegations.