Elon Musk has once again found himself at the centre of headlines, but not for the reasons many might expect. The billionaire, who earlier this year suggested the Epstein files were being withheld because they might implicate Donald Trump, has now been named in the very records he called for to be released.
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For years, Epstein’s dealings with the world’s most powerful men have fuelled speculation and suspicion, and every fresh release of documents adds another twist to the ongoing saga. Musk’s appearance is one of the more eye-catching inclusions, particularly because he has publicly pressed for the files to be made available.
Epstein documents name Elon Musk among other high-profile figures
On 26 September 2025, Democratic lawmakers released six redacted pages from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, shedding new light on interactions between Epstein and powerful figures.
According to The Guardian, the documents included references to a planned breakfast with Steve Bannon in 2019, a lunch with PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel in 2017, and a potential trip by Elon Musk to Epstein’s private island in December 2014.
Sky News reported that Epstein’s schedule included the note:
Reminder: Elon Musk to island Dec. 6 (is this still happening?).
This was six years after Epstein had been registered as a sex offender. Though Musk's name is merely mentioned in what appears to be a tentative plan, its inclusion has reignited scrutiny over the connections between Epstein and elite circles.
The files also named Prince Andrew as a passenger on Epstein’s private jet in 2000, alongside Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. According to Sky News, the Duke of York is listed on a flight from New Jersey to Palm Beach. Other high-profile individuals named include Bill Gates, Peter Thiel, and Steve Bannon.
Musk’s reaction to his name in the Epstein files
In response to the reports, Musk took to X, to voice his frustration. Sharing Sky News’s headline, he wrote:
Shame on Sky News for this utterly misleading headline. Anyone pushing this false narrative deserves complete contempt.
He followed with a clear statement:
Epstein tried to get me to go to his island and I REFUSED, yet they name me even before Prince Andrew, who did visit.
As reported by The Daily Beast, Musk also reaffirmed that while Epstein had invited him to Little St. James, he had declined the invitation. Musk had previously addressed the issue in 2019 in a statement to Vanity Fair, saying:
He tried repeatedly to get me to visit his island. I declined.
The Tesla CEO has also previously posted—then deleted—claims that Donald Trump appeared in the Epstein files, a statement he later apologised for, admitting he 'went too far.'
Read more:
Elon Musk launches 'America Party' amid rift with Donald Trump: Here's what we know
Donald Trump faces political crisis as comments on Epstein inquiry anger MAGA base and GOP leaders
Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein competed over 'who would sleep with Princess Diana', author claims
Sources used:
The Guardian: Elon Musk and Peter Thiel mentioned in Epstein documents released by Democrats
Sky News: Elon Musk and Prince Andrew named in latest Epstein files release
The Daily Beast: Furious Elon Finally Addresses Why He’s in New Epstein Files
