Who is Steve Bannon? Tesla CEO Accuses Trump Ally Of Being On 'Non-existent' Epstein List

On 8 July, Elon Musk, Tesla CEO and former Trump ally, ignited a controversy by claiming that Steve Bannon, a prominent MAGA figure, is named in Jeffrey Epstein's files.

Musk's accusation, posted on X, came amid a feud with Bannon and heightened scrutiny over the Trump administration's refusal to release Epstein-related documents.

The Justice Department's recent memo, stating that 'no further disclosure would be appropriate' due to the absence of a client list, has fuelled speculation and distrust.

Define a MAGA Strategist

Steve Bannon, 71, is a former White House chief strategist and a key architect of Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign.

A Navy veteran and ex-Goldman Sachs banker, Bannon rose to prominence as executive chairman of Breitbart News, shaping its far-right narrative.

He co-founded the America First Policy Institute and hosts the War Room podcast, a platform amplifying MAGA ideals.

Bannon's influence persists despite legal troubles, including a 2022 contempt of Congress conviction for defying a Capitol riot subpoena, resulting in a four-month prison term.

Recently, he has clashed with Musk, calling him a 'puppet of the Chinese government' and advocating for his deportation, intensifying their public feud.

Ignite an Epstein Controversy

Musk's claim that 'Bannon is in the Epstein files' stems from a Yahoo News report revealing Bannon interviewed Epstein in 2018–2019 at his New York and Paris homes for a documentary that was never released.

Author Michael Wolff alleged Bannon coached Epstein, advising him to appear 'engaging, not threatening' to reshape his public image post-conviction.

Musk's X post, as reported on Yahoo News responding to Trump ally Roger Stone's question—'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?'—lacked evidence tying Bannon to Epstein's alleged client list, which the Justice Department denies exists.

The claim follows Musk's earlier, deleted post, in which he accused Trump himself of being in the files, suggesting a pattern of unverified allegations.

Stir Public Outrage

Musk's accusation has sparked intense reactions on X. User @KobeissiLetter posted: 'Elon Musk says former Trump White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon is "in the Epstein files." Yesterday, the FBI said there is no Epstein "client list".

Similarly, @Suzierizzo1 expressed disbelief: 'Elon is saying that Steve Bannon is also in the Epstein files after responding to a Roger Stone post questioning Bannon's meetings with Epstein!'.

These posts reflect public fascination and scepticism, with some questioning Musk's motives amid his push for an America Party focused on exposing Epstein's files.

Expose Systemic Issues

The controversy underscores broader issues of transparency in high-profile investigations.

The Justice Department's refusal to release more Epstein files, citing victim privacy, contrasts with public demand for accountability, especially given Epstein's ties to elites, including Trump in the 1990s.

Bannon's documented meetings with Epstein, costing him credibility, don't confirm criminal involvement but fuel speculation about hidden connections.

The lack of a client list, as confirmed by Axios, complicates efforts to verify claims, potentially costing taxpayers millions in ongoing probes.

This saga questions whether political agendas overshadow justice for Epstein's victims.

Demand Accountability and Clarity

Musk's unverified claim against Bannon, set against the opacity of the Epstein files, deepens public distrust.

Bannon's role as a MAGA influencer makes him a high-profile target, but without evidence, Musk's accusations risk being dismissed as rhetoric.

The public deserves transparent investigations into Epstein's network, free from political feuds.

Communities must push for victim-centred justice, ensuring allegations like those against Bannon are substantiated, not sensationalised.