Elon Musk says Donald Trump is "in the Epstein files”

Jun 6, 2025

The clash between Elon Musk and Donald Trump intensifies as Musk suggests Trump is in the Epstein files. Their public feud showcases a dramatic shift from alliance to bitter rivalry, threatening Musk’s government contracts and reflecting broader political tensions. The conversation dives into Musk's critiques of Trump's policies and the implications for the 2026 midterms. Listeners hear about the volatile dynamics shaping the political landscape as both figures navigate their fallout and influence the future of American politics.

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INSIGHT

Rapid Public Feud

The public feud between Elon Musk and Donald Trump escalated rapidly from criticism of a spending bill to serious personal accusations.
Both men used their own powerful social media platforms to exchange increasingly extreme attacks, surprising many observers.

INSIGHT

Musk affects GOP power

Elon Musk's departure from Trump's sphere could cause shifts in U.S. policy and political funding dynamics.
Musk can financially support Republicans against Trump-backed candidates, altering political power balances.

INSIGHT

Political Undermining of Musk

Trump's allies paint Musk as self-interested, implying he left political cooperation when he didn't get personal benefits.
This strategy aims to undermine Musk's political credibility and discourage alliances with him.

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How did one of the most powerful alliances in American politics blow up? The falling out between Donald Trump and Elon Musk has been playing out very publicly on social media, with back and forth insults and threats. Sarah Smith, Marianna Spring, Justin Webb and Anthony Zurcher unpack how the row intensified with Trump threatening to revoke Musk’s government contracts and Musk claiming without evidence that Trump appeared in the unreleased Epstein files. Musk also suggested that Trump should be impeached. But why does a row between the world’s richest person and one of the most powerful, the US president, matter to America and the rest of the world? And what impact could it have on the 2026 midterms?

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent

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This episode was made by Purvee Pattni, Alix Pickles, Rufus Gray, Grace Reeve and Tom Gillett. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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