On June 5, Elon Musk did something unprecedented in the political arena of the MAGA movement. With a single, provocative post on X (formerly Twitter), he managed to shake the foundations that Donald Trump had built since he rose to prominence in 2015. Musk’s audacious claim that “Donald Trump is in the Epstein files” sent ripples through the MAGA base, igniting speculation and unrest about Trump’s loyalty and past associations.
Musk’s explosive message was swiftly deleted but had already gone viral, causing a stir among Trump supporters. For the first time, the political landscape shifted dramatically due to the influence of someone from outside the traditional political sphere—Musk, a titan of tech.
1. The Fallout from Musk’s Bold Assertion
The friction between Musk and Trump intensified when Trump criticized Musk’s remarks, hinting that the government might reconsider federal contracts linked to Musk’s companies, especially SpaceX’s NASA deals. That same day, Tesla’s share prices plummeted, wiping out approximately $150 billion (around €140 billion) in market value.
However, the more disturbing implication was Musk’s decision to invoke the notorious Jeffrey Epstein—an individual whose connections have long fueled theories among Trump supporters. Epstein’s legacy as a convicted sex offender has been a flashpoint for speculation, with many claiming his death was a cover-up orchestrated by powerful figures seeking to protect their interests.
2. Sparking the Controversy with Grok
On July 17, Musk took things a step further by engaging his AI chatbot, Grok, to create a list of individuals linked to Epstein’s private island who he believed should be investigated for potential crimes. His statement resonated deeply with the MAGA crowd, reflecting their desire for accountability and justice. Musk cleverly tapped into the emotional landscape of Trump’s supporters—anger, fear, and the demand for retribution.
Please make a thorough list of all those who should be investigated for possible rape of underage girls provided by Epstein.
Think hard and research thoroughly. Order by probable severity and frequency of their crimes.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 17, 2025
3. The Growing Backlash Against Trump
Despite Trump’s attempts to dismiss the claims as a “dumb hoax,” his base remained unyielding. Influential conservative commentator Matt Walsh highlighted the irony in Trump’s message, emphasizing that politicians in the MAGA movement have long promised to hold the powerful accountable. Consequently, rather than silencing the conversation, Trump’s dismissal only reignited it, leading to the resurgence of the hashtag #ReleaseTheEpsteinFiles across social media.
By this point, many were skeptical about the Federal Government’s motives, especially following the dismissal of federal prosecutor Maurene Comey, who had reopened certain investigations into Epstein. In the eyes of the MAGA supporters, this only added fuel to the fire that Trump was possibly complicit.
4. A Strategic Shift in the Power Dynamic
Musk managed to identify a potent weapon: the Epstein controversy—and he wielded it effectively, shaking Trump’s steadfast support. For nearly a decade, Trump has cultivated a loyal following based on conspiracy theories and calls for justice. Musk’s tactical shift in narrative laid bare a crack in Trump’s once-unbreakable influence.
Some analysts feared that Musk was playing with fire, given that SpaceX’s operational health relied heavily on federal contracts. Despite these risks, Musk is adopting a business-as-usual approach. Meanwhile, Trump finds himself grappling to reassert control over a narrative he once dominated.
5. What Does This Mean for the Future?
For the first time since 2016, Donald Trump is not the one setting the agenda. Instead, he is reacting to the provocations of Elon Musk, who now possesses the remote control over the political dialogue. The raw outcome? Musk 1, Trump 0.
How did Musk’s claim impact the MAGA base’s perception of Trump? Musk’s daring claim altered the perception of Trump’s role as a figure fighting against the elite, shifting it to a narrative where he was part of the controversies he had long rallied against. This has sparked debates among supporters, further fracturing the once-consistent loyalty to Trump.
Are Trump’s strategies becoming outmoded, especially with challengers like Musk making bold moves? This remains to be seen, but the recent saga reveals vulnerabilities in Trump’s fortress of support.
Are the Epstein files becoming a focal point for the MAGA movement once more? Yes, the renewed conversation around the Epstein files has reinvigorated the call for accountability among Trump’s supporters, making it a central theme in political discourse.
Curious about how these developments might shape political landscapes in the near future? Dive deeper into discussions around the impact of tech on politics and explore related insights at Moyens I/O.