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Billionaire Musk has once again ignited the sensitive nerves of the American political arena. He alluded on the social platform X that Steve Bannon, one of Trump's closest allies, might appear in Jeffrey Epstein's files. This is not the first time Musk has been involved in this massive mystery involving sexual crimes, power, and cover-ups. However, this time, he not only named Bannon but also subtly implicated Trump himself.
Musk fires at Bannon
From Silicon Valley Genius to Political Provocateur
In the past year, Musk's public image has undergone a significant transformation: from an imaginative tech entrepreneur to a "provocateur" who frequently intervenes in political issues. His social media posts have become increasingly emotional and filled with conspiracy accusations, especially after his complete break with Trump.
This time, Musk once again captured everyone's attention with a single statement: "Bannon was in Epstein's files." He was responding to a post by another former Trump advisor, notorious political operator Roger Stone, who asked, "Why did Bannon meet with him in New York and Paris after Epstein was convicted of sexual crimes? Why did he plan '60 Minutes' for Epstein?"
Musk did not elaborate, merely citing the post and adding a cryptic remark: "He was in the files." But this brief response made the potential connection between Bannon and Epstein suddenly the focus of social media discussions.
Was Trump in the Files Too?
This is not the first time Musk has thrown out the "Epstein bomb." As early as mid-June, he had publicly claimed, "Trump was in Epstein's documents." He wrote then, "It's time to drop the big bomb: [Trump] was in Epstein's documents. That's the real reason these documents haven't been released yet."
The post once exploded online, but soon after, he deleted it and publicly apologized, calling the statement "too extreme." Nevertheless, that "big bomb" didn't truly defuse the situation; instead, it left more questions and speculations: What does Musk know? Is he telling the truth or engaging in political manipulation?
The Empty File Folders in the White House
According to media leaks, in early 2025, the Trump administration invited several right-wing influencers into the White House, claiming they would be "informed about the progress of the Epstein file." In the photos, they walked out of the White House holding thick folders, appearing to possess the truth.
However, the truth quickly emerged—these folders contained almost entirely information that had already been made public in recent years, with no new evidence, no lists, and no witness statements.
This embarrassing move enraged some right-wing commentators. Conservative media outlet Gateway Pundit sarcastically wrote, "If there are no client lists, what were you doing posing with empty folders? Are you mocking the people?"
The most ironic part was the contradictory statements from Attorney General Pam Bondi. In February of this year, she proudly stated in an interview, "The client list of Epstein is on my desk." But when reporters pressed further, she changed her story, saying that it was "some materials being organized," and the specific details could not be disclosed.
This wavering undermined public trust once again.
"If there's no client list, why did he commit suicide?"
Trump has always tried to distance himself from Epstein. During a cabinet meeting this week, when a reporter asked if he had seen the latest Department of Justice report, Trump replied with disdain, "Are you still talking about Epstein? This guy has been dead for a long time. Now people still care about this pervert? I can't believe you're asking such a question."
This comment immediately sparked backlash. Conservative content creator Robby Starbuck angrily criticized, "If Jeffrey Epstein had no client list, no girls were abused on his island, and no politicians were blackmailed... then why did he commit suicide?"
His anger targeted Attorney General Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel, accusing them of "deceiving the American people." Ohio Republican Congressman Warren Davidson said, "Even if Bondi resigns or is fired, this won't end."
Evidently, even though the Department of Justice repeatedly affirmed that Epstein "did commit suicide" and "there is no client list," the public remains unconvinced. Especially under the atmosphere where Musk, Stone, and others continue to imply that there are still secrets behind the files, this story is escalating rapidly.
The Private Rivalry Between Bannon and Musk
Aside from the explosive content of the incident itself, there is another important background: the long-standing feud between Musk and Bannon.
Bannon has repeatedly attacked Musk in public, calling him a "puppet of China" and even threatening to "expel him from America." Musk has not been passive, sarcastically referring to Bannon as a "political opportunist covered in dirt" on multiple occasions before this incident.
This private rivalry between a tech newcomer and a political veteran is being magnified by the shadow of Epstein. Both are using the secret that the public wants to know but will never fully understand to attack each other.
Epstein's "Death and Not Death"
In 2019, Epstein died in a federal prison in Manhattan, officially ruled as a "suicide by hanging." However, to this day, the cause of his death, the political secrets he may have held, and the never-released "client list" remain one of the most enigmatic mysteries online.
Musk and Trump's verbal exchanges seem to just be the tip of a larger mystery. And this mystery is at the center of a vortex of power, money, sex, and media manipulation.
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Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7524821492954186278/
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