Epstein Files Just Dropped — Why Are Elon Musk and Peter Thiel Mentioned?

House Democrats on the Oversight Committee unveiled a batch of redacted documents on Friday that reference high-profile figures including tech moguls Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, as well as former Trump adviser Steve Bannon and Britain's Prince Andrew.(Getty Images)

Washington, D.C. – 26 September 2025 - In a significant development in the ongoing probe into the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, House Democrats on the Oversight Committee unveiled a batch of redacted documents on Friday that reference high-profile figures including tech moguls Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, as well as former Trump adviser Steve Bannon and Britain's Prince Andrew.

The six-page release, drawn from Epstein's estate records provided by the Justice Department, includes excerpts from the financier's personal calendars, flight manifests, and financial disclosures spanning from 2000 to 2019.These materials highlight scheduled meetings and potential travel arrangements between Epstein and influential conservatives, fueling renewed scrutiny over the financier's extensive network of powerful associates.

Among the most notable entries is a December 2014 calendar notation indicating a potential trip by Elon Musk to Epstein's private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a location central to allegations of sex trafficking in Epstein's case. Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX who recently endorsed President Donald Trump, has previously denied any close ties to Epstein, stating in past interviews that he met the financier only once at a dinner party and found him "creepy." No evidence in the documents suggests Musk attended the trip or engaged in any illicit activities.Peter Thiel, the billionaire co-founder of PayPal and a prominent GOP donor, is listed in a November 2017 entry for a scheduled lunch with Epstein. Thiel, known for his investments in tech startups and political influence, has not publicly commented on the association.

The documents also reference Steve Bannon, the former White House chief strategist under Trump, in connection with a planned breakfast meeting with Epstein in February 2019—just months before Epstein's arrest on federal sex-trafficking charges. Additionally, a 2000 flight manifest for Epstein's private jet, dubbed the "Lolita Express," names Prince Andrew as a passenger, alongside a financial record showing payments to an individual named "Andrew" for services including "Massage, Exercise, Yoga." The Duke of York has long denied wrongdoing in his Epstein ties, settling a related civil lawsuit in 2022.

Bill Gates, the Microsoft co-founder, is also mentioned in Epstein's 2014 and 2017 schedules, though the documents do not detail the nature of these interactions.

The release comes amid a bipartisan but Democrat-led effort on the House Oversight Committee to investigate the federal handling of Epstein's case, including why his 2008 plea deal allowed him to avoid harsher penalties despite evidence of widespread abuse. Democrats, frustrated by Republican resistance, are circulating a discharge petition to force a floor vote on legislation mandating the full unsealing of Epstein files—a move that requires 218 signatures and could bypass GOP leadership.

"This is about justice for survivors and victims, not politics," said Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), the committee's ranking member, in a statement. "Wealth, power, or party affiliation should not shield anyone from accountability." Committee spokesperson Sara Guerrero echoed this, noting the documents "underscore Epstein's disturbing connections with powerful and wealthy men."

Republicans on the committee accused Democrats of "selective" releases aimed at smearing conservatives, claiming the party is withholding references to Democratic figures. "Democrats are prioritizing politics over victims," a GOP statement read, promising a full document dump soon. The timing adds intrigue: Earlier this year, Musk publicly accused Trump of appearing in the "Epstein files" on X (formerly Twitter), sparking a feud over unrelated policy disputes. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) quipped on social media Friday, "Musk in the files? Maybe this is payback for calling out Trump. What does Elon know?"

Epstein died by suicide in a Manhattan jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. His death and the web of associations with elites—from politicians to celebrities—have sustained public fascination and conspiracy theories for years.

Advocates for Epstein's victims hailed the release as a step toward transparency but called for more. "Every name matters, every connection must be examined," said one survivor advocate, speaking anonymously.

As of Friday evening, neither Musk nor Thiel had responded to requests for comment from multiple outlets.

The Oversight Com

mittee's investigation continues, with Democrats vowing to press for unredacted files despite slim odds in the Republican-controlled Senate and Trump's potential veto.