Donald Trump’s association with Jeffrey Epstein has been a subject of scrutiny, especially in light of recent allegations. Elon Musk’s Thursday posts alluded to former President Trump’s past association with Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died by suicide in prison in 2019 while facing multiple trafficking charges.
Here are five notable instances that have fueled speculation about Trump’s involvement
1. Trump seen with Epstein
Trump and Epstein were known to have a social relationship in the 1990s and early 2000s. They were photographed together at various events, including a 1992 party at Mar-a-Lago. In a 2002 interview, Trump remarked, “I’ve known Jeff for fifteen years. Terrific guy. He’s a lot of fun to be with.”
2. Trump’s presence in Epstein’s contact lists and flight logs
Trump’s name appeared in Epstein’s contact lists, and he was listed in flight logs for Epstein’s private jet. However, there is no public record of Trump visiting Epstein’s private island, Little St. James.
3. What were the allegations?
In 2016, a woman filed a lawsuit alleging that Trump and Epstein raped her when she was 13 years old. The lawsuit was later withdrawn, and the claims remain unproven, as per reports.
4. Epstein’s recorded statements
Journalist Michael Wolff released recordings in which Epstein referred to Trump as his “closest friend” for a decade, discussing their social activities and attitudes toward women. These tapes have reignited discussions about their relationship.
5. Elon Musk’s public accusations
In June 2025, Elon Musk publicly claimed that Trump is named in the unreleased Epstein files, suggesting this as the reason for their nondisclosure. While Musk provided no evidence, his statement has intensified calls for transparency regarding the Epstein documents.
While these instances highlight Trump’s connections to Epstein, it’s important to note that no definitive evidence has been presented linking Trump to Epstein’s criminal activities.