What began as a dispute regarding electric vehicle subsidies has now escalated into a significant verbal conflict between two of the most influential figures in America. In a striking and candid post on X Thursday afternoon, Elon Musk accused President Donald Trump of being mentioned in the unreleased Jeffrey Epstein files — a shocking assertion that ignited a frenzy on social media.

“It is time to reveal the major bombshell: @realDonaldTrump is included in the Epstein files,” Musk shared with his 200+ million followers. “This is the true reason they have not been disclosed. Have a pleasant day, DJT!”

Musk did not provide any proof in his post but reaffirmed his claim moments later. “Take note of this post for the future,” he stated. “The truth will eventually surface.”

This post signifies the lowest point thus far in what has turned into a bitter and public disintegration of the previously close relationship between the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla and the 47th president.

The allegation did not arise without context. In recent days, Musk has consistently criticized Trump’s $1.6 trillion “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” which reduces EV subsidies and imposes new fees on electric vehicle owners. Musk has described the legislation as a “repugnant abomination,” accusing the administration of driving the nation into bankruptcy while undermining clean energy initiatives.

Trump, for his part, has implied that Musk is motivated by self-interest and turned against him only when his company’s government benefits were at risk. “Elon was more familiar with the details of this bill than nearly anyone else,” Trump remarked during a press conference earlier Thursday. “Suddenly, he had an issue — after the EV mandate was eliminated.”

However, Musk swiftly responded, refuting any claims of prior knowledge regarding the bill, labeling Trump’s remarks as “false,” and asserting that the legislation was “passed in the dead of night so swiftly that nearly no one in Congress had the opportunity to read it!”

The widening divide has left numerous Republicans astonished. Musk, who was previously regarded as a significant asset to Trump’s reelection efforts, is now urging Congress to “KILL the BILL” and encouraging his followers to exert pressure on their representatives.

“Contact your Senator. Reach out to your Congressman,” Musk stated earlier this week. “Bankrupting America is NOT acceptable!”

In response, Trump has issued his own threats, cautioning that he might withdraw federal contracts and subsidies from Musk’s enterprises entirely. “The simplest method to reduce expenses in our Budget… is to eliminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

The conflict has severely divided their common base of supporters. Some loyalists of Trump have branded Musk a “traitor,” while others propose that the president is reacting out of desperation. Nevertheless, the Epstein allegation signifies a significant escalation.

In February, Attorney General Pam Bondi sanctioned the initial release of declassified documents related to Jeffrey Epstein’s case. Among the materials were previously circulated items, such as flight logs from Epstein’s notorious private jet and a redacted version of his contact list. One newly unsealed document, titled the “Evidence List,” detailed items confiscated from Epstein’s various residences—recording devices, photographs, and other sensitive materials.

Nonetheless, the long-awaited release left many feeling underwhelmed. Observers noted that a considerable amount of the information was already public knowledge, and the extensive redactions provided little in terms of new insights.

Bondi acknowledged that her office had received only a limited amount of the complete material. She has subsequently made a formal request for the FBI to provide the remaining documents. As of June, significant sections of the Epstein files continue to be sealed from public access.

The FBI, for its part, has reaffirmed its determination that Epstein’s death was a suicide. Officials reference “video evidence and other materials” as substantiation, aiming to dispel ongoing conspiracy theories.