Latest news with #Epstein-related
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
New Memo Rebuts Epstein Conspiracies: What to Know
Jeffrey Epstein, left, and Donald Trump together at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla., in 1997. Credit - Davidoff Studios—Getty Images The 2019 death in jail of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a billionaire financier connected with some of the most powerful people in the world and who was facing trial on sex trafficking charges, has long been the subject of fascination and conspiracy theories, especially by the right. Some were convinced he was killed in an effort to keep concealed a 'list' of his high-profile co-conspirators, despite longtime observers repeatedly indicating that no such list existed. President Donald Trump said during his 2024 campaign that he'd publicly release such records if he was elected again. But after he returned to office, his Administration disappointed anticipators of the so-called 'Epstein Files' when it touted a batch of mostly already public records, despite Attorney General Pam Bondi having previously said that the client list was 'sitting on my desk right now to review.' Bondi at the time blamed the FBI for not abiding by her directive to provide the 'full and complete' set of Epstein-related documents in the government's possession, and right-wing conspiracy theorists have since turned on FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino, both of whom had previously promoted Epstein-related conspiracy theories, for supposedly succumbing to the so-called 'Deep State' since taking up their roles. After Trump's ally-turned-critic Elon Musk left the Administration at the end of May, Musk fueled further conspiracy theories and calls for transparency when he suggested that Trump was implicated in unreleased Epstein files. 'That is the real reason they have not been made public,' Musk wrote in a since-deleted post on X. (Trump has repeatedly denied wrongdoing in his associations with Epstein.) But a new Justice Department and FBI memo, obtained by Axios and ABC News, aims to put the Epstein conspiracy theories to rest, asserting that there is no evidence that the man who 'harmed over one thousand victims' was murdered, engaged in blackmail, or kept a client list. The memo cited and provided links hosted on the website to video footage of the Manhattan facility where Epstein was detained when he died. The Justice Department and FBI did not immediately confirm nor deny the authenticity of the memo, which was unsigned and undated. TIME has reached out to both for comment. 'One of our highest priorities is combatting child exploitation and bringing justice to victims,' the memo stated. 'Perpetuating unfounded theories about Epstein serves neither of those ends.' 'We did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties,' the memo also stated, adding that 'no further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted.' Already, the memo has incited furious reactions on the right. 'So Epstein was trafficking these underage girls to nobody? Is Pam Bondi serious?' conservative activist Robby Starbuck posted on X. 'What Epstein and his ilk did was pure evil and this memo attempts to just close the book on it like there's no one else involved.' 'At this point, it goes FAR beyond simply being DUPED…' posted The Patriot Voice founder John Sabal, who is also known as QAnon John. 'This is the Trump Administration SPITTING IN EVERYONE'S FACE & CURB STOMPING MAGA/EPSTEIN VICTIMS.' Contact us at letters@
Time Magazine
a day ago
- Politics
- Time Magazine
New Memo Rebuts Epstein Conspiracies: What to Know
The 2019 death in jail of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a billionaire financier connected with some of the most powerful people in the world and who was facing trial on sex trafficking charges, has long been the subject of fascination and conspiracy theories, especially by the right. Some were convinced he was killed in an effort to keep concealed a 'list' of his high-profile co-conspirators, despite longtime observers repeatedly indicating that no such list existed. President Donald Trump said during his 2024 campaign that he'd publicly release such records if he was elected again. But after he returned to office, his Administration disappointed anticipators of the so-called 'Epstein Files' when it touted a batch of mostly already public records, despite Attorney General Pam Bondi having previously said that the client list was 'sitting on my desk right now to review.' Bondi at the time blamed the FBI for not abiding by her directive to provide the 'full and complete' set of Epstein-related documents in the government's possession, and right-wing conspiracy theorists have since turned on FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino, both of whom had previously promoted Epstein-related conspiracy theories, for supposedly succumbing to the so-called 'Deep State' since taking up their roles. After Trump's ally-turned-critic Elon Musk left the Administration at the end of May, Musk fueled further conspiracy theories and calls for transparency when he suggested that Trump was implicated in unreleased Epstein files. 'That is the real reason they have not been made public,' Musk wrote in a since-deleted post on X. (Trump has repeatedly denied wrongdoing in his associations with Epstein.) But a new Justice Department and FBI memo, obtained by Axios and ABC News, aims to put the Epstein conspiracy theories to rest, asserting that there is no evidence that the man who 'harmed over one thousand victims' was murdered, engaged in blackmail, or kept a client list. The memo cited and provided links hosted on the website to video footage of the Manhattan facility where Epstein was detained when he died. The Justice Department and FBI did not immediately confirm nor deny the authenticity of the memo, which was unsigned and undated. TIME has reached out to both for comment. 'One of our highest priorities is combatting child exploitation and bringing justice to victims,' the memo stated. 'Perpetuating unfounded theories about Epstein serves neither of those ends.' 'We did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties,' the memo also stated, adding that 'no further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted.' Already, the memo has incited furious reactions on the right. 'So Epstein was trafficking these underage girls to nobody? Is Pam Bondi serious?' conservative activist Robby Starbuck posted on X. 'What Epstein and his ilk did was pure evil and this memo attempts to just close the book on it like there's no one else involved.' 'At this point, it goes FAR beyond simply being DUPED…' posted The Patriot Voice founder John Sabal, who is also known as QAnon John. 'This is the Trump Administration SPITTING IN EVERYONE'S FACE & CURB STOMPING MAGA/EPSTEIN VICTIMS.'
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Elon Musk's apology to Donald Trump reverses fallout, restores Tesla shares, & boosts his net worth by $191 million overnight
Last week, a public spat between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and US President Donald Trump took a dramatic turn. After making explosive allegations tying Trump to Jeffrey Epstein's files, Musk backtracked days later, offering an apology that seemed to align with both political and financial priorities. With a Tesla launch on the horizon and billions in government contracts at stake, the timing of the apology has raised questions—and eyebrows—in the business world. A fallout over government spending The friction began when Musk criticized what he described as a bloated and irresponsible government spending bill. On June 3, he posted on X, condemning the legislation. Trump reacted soon after, expressing disappointment in Musk during an Oval Office appearance. Trump suggested their once-strong relationship might now be damaged and hinted Musk knew the bill details 'better than anyone.' Musk responded directly, stating that he had never seen the bill and that it passed quickly and quietly through Congress. He also pushed back against Trump's claims about helping him win Pennsylvania in the elections, reminding the public of his financial contributions and role in Republican campaign strategies. An escalating war of words The disagreement escalated further. Musk took to X again, criticizing the legislation's impact on the national deficit. He even floated the idea of starting a new centrist political party. As tensions rose, Trump threatened to cut Musk's government subsidies and contracts. Musk fired back, calling the claims 'an obvious lie' and eventually brought Epstein-related accusations into the public conversation, alleging that Trump was part of the sealed files. By June 6, reports emerged of a phone call between the two to resolve the issue. Trump publicly dismissed the call, saying he had no intention of speaking with Musk and referring to the tech billionaire as someone with 'a problem.' Apology follows threats and private talks Following mounting pressure and a reported private discussion with Trump allies, Musk retracted his previous statements. On June 12, he posted, 'I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far.' Trump accepted the apology, telling the New York Post that he appreciated the gesture and had no hard feelings. A White House spokesperson confirmed that Trump acknowledged Musk's statement and emphasized the administration's focus on national interests. Business gains from political truce Musk's apology proved beneficial. According to Forbes, his net worth increased to $411.4 billion after the fallout, recovering nearly $191 million in value. Tesla shares, which had fallen 14% during the feud, showed signs of recovery with a 1% uptick. With both SpaceX and Tesla heavily reliant on government partnerships, Musk's attempt to de-escalate the situation appears to be paying off. Investors, likely concerned about the impact of ongoing political hostility, can now expect greater stability. As reconciliation takes shape, Musk's financial and political interests seem aligned once again, with funding continuing from both sides of the aisle.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Musk CRAWLS Back? Trump Feud Ends in REGRET as Tesla Boss Posts SHOCK Apology
After days of explosive posts, Elon Musk is now walking it all back. The Tesla CEO expressed 'regret' over his jabs at Donald Trump — including an Epstein-related bombshell that vanished soon after being posted. Trump had warned of "serious consequences," and now Musk seems to be softening his tone. With deleted tweets, public apologies, and a feud that spiraled fast, is this the beginning of a truce or just another twist in the chaos? Read More
Economic Times
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Economic Times
Elon Musk backs JD Vance — and Trump's not happy: Michael Wolff says the President is paranoid
Elon Musk backs JD Vance—and it's causing serious tension with President Trump. As Musk openly praises the Vice President, Trump's growing fear of betrayal is becoming a political problem. According to author Michael Wolff, Trump sees Musk's support for Vance as a threat to his power. The President is reportedly becoming paranoid, especially after Musk's deleted Epstein-related post stirred online chaos. With Trump in office, Vance as VP, and Musk influencing from the sidelines, the GOP faces an internal power struggle. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Why is Trump worried about Elon Musk supporting his own VP, JD Vance? Is Trump's fear of being replaced by Vance real or just political paranoia? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads How has JD Vance responded to Trump's growing suspicion? What role did the Epstein post play in escalating the drama? The story of Elon Musk backing JD Vance has taken a serious turn — and President Donald Trump isn't pleased. According to veteran political author Michael Wolff, the President is growing paranoid, even suspicious, of his own Vice President. With Trump currently in the White House and Vance just one heartbeat away, this isn't just political gossip — it's a sign of real tension at the a report published by Raw Story, journalist Michael Wolff revealed that President Trump is becoming increasingly anxious about Elon Musk's influence — and the way it's shaping JD Vance's political Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and X (formerly Twitter), has reportedly suggested that Vance would make a better president than Trump himself. In private, Musk has allegedly encouraged key donors and Silicon Valley insiders to look to Vance as a long-term idea, according to Wolff, has deeply unsettled Trump. Even though Vance is his running mate and now serves as Vice President of the United States, Trump is said to see him as 'too close to Musk' and a potential rival rather than a loyal says the fear is real — and growing. 'He's always been paranoid, but this is different,' Wolff told Raw Story. 'Trump sees Musk's money, his power on social media, and the way he talks about Vance — and he's starting to think there's a plot.'Wolff claims Trump is even considering 'loyalty tests' for his vice president, privately questioning whether Vance is more committed to the MAGA movement or to Musk's vision of tech-backed timing matters here. We're deep into 2025, with Trump now in his second term, and Vance being groomed by many on the right as the future of the Republican Party. That kind of speculation — especially when amplified by Musk — is enough to trigger Trump's deep political President JD Vance has publicly downplayed the rift, but his words reveal the pressure he's under. In a recent interview, Vance said, 'I'm the vice president to President Trump. My loyalties are always going to be with the president.' He also called Musk's recent comments a 'huge mistake' that stirred up unnecessary has spent the past year carefully balancing his loyalty to Trump with his appeal to younger conservatives and Silicon Valley influencers. That balancing act has worked — until now. As Musk continues to throw subtle shade at Trump and hint at a post-Trump GOP, Vance is increasingly caught in the closed doors, some Republican insiders say Vance is being advised to 'stay in his lane' — not to appear too ambitious, not to align too closely with Musk, and definitely not to outshine the president. But that's easier said than done when Musk has nearly 200 million followers on X and regularly fuels speculation about Vance's really boiled over when Musk posted — and then deleted — a message on X hinting that Trump's name might be found in Jeffrey Epstein's court records. No evidence was provided, and Musk has since gone silent on the matter. But the damage was said this was the moment that sent Trump over the edge. 'That was a silver bullet. Even if there's nothing there, just the suggestion of it reactivates all of Trump's worst fears.' The deleted post was widely screenshotted and shared across social media, giving critics of Trump a new narrative — and giving Musk's feud with the president a deeply personal edge.
