Is Steve Bannon in Epstein files? Elon Musk's big claim raises questions; netizens react

Elon Musk has intensified his public feud with Steve Bannon, a former adviser to US President Donald Trump , by claiming on X that Bannon’s name appeared in the Jeffrey Epstein files.

“Steve Bannon is in the Epstein files,” Musk wrote in a post on X.

Bannon is in the Epstein files

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 8, 2025

Musk’s comment was in response to Roger Stone, a political consultant and New York Times best-selling author. Stone questioned why Bannon met Epstein at his New York home and in Paris after Epstein had been convicted of sex crimes. He also asked why Bannon would have coached Epstein for a 60 Minutes TV appearance.

“Why would Bannon meet with Jeffrey Epstein both at his New York home and in Paris after Epstein was convicted on sex crimes in Florida? Why would he coach Epstein for his 60 Minutes appearance?” Stone's post read.

Musk’s claim sparked confusion and debate among users on the platform. One user asked Musk if he had actually seen the Epstein files, writing: “If this is true that means you have seen the Epstein files. Enlighten us on how?”

Another user questioned: “Why won’t Bannon release his hours of video talking with Epstein?”

Just hours earlier, Musk had said that releasing these documents would be the “top priority” of his newly announced political party, the America Party.

In a post on X, Musk asked: “How can people be expected to have faith in Trump if he won’t release the Epstein files?

How can people be expected to have faith in Trump if he won’t release the Epstein files?

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 8, 2025

The clash between both intensified when Bannon called for Musk to be investigated and deported from the United States.

Speaking to The New York Times, Bannon claimed Musk is in the country illegally. “They should initiate a formal investigation of his immigration status, because I am of the strong belief that he is an illegal alien, and he should be deported from the country immediately,” Bannon said.