JD Vance: Musk Attacking Trump Over Epstein Was a ‘Huge Mistake’
Vice President JD Vance criticized Elon Musk on Saturday for accusing former President Donald Trump of being linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, calling the move a “huge mistake” that could hurt both the country and Musk himself.
Speaking on Theo Von’s podcast, Vance warned that turning the disagreement into a “blood feud” between Musk and Trump would only deepen political divisions and potentially backfire on the Tesla CEO.
“I think it’s a huge mistake for him to go after the president like that,” Vance said. “If he and the president end up in some sort of blood feud — most importantly, it’s going to be bad for the country, but I also don’t think it’ll be good for Elon.”
Musk ignited controversy on Thursday when he posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Trump’s name was in the unreleased Epstein files — suggesting this was the real reason they hadn’t been made public. “Time to drop the really big bomb,” Musk wrote. “[Trump] is in the Epstein files.
That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT! Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out.”
Vance dismissed the accusation and strongly defended Trump, asserting there was no wrongdoing.
“The president didn’t do anything wrong with Jeffrey Epstein,” he said, reaffirming his loyalty to Trump.
When asked by Von why Musk would make such an explosive claim, Vance suggested the billionaire may be reacting emotionally to increasing political pressure and public hostility.
“His businesses are being attacked nonstop. They’re literally firebombing some of his cars,” Vance noted. “I think part of it is, this guy got into politics and has suffered a lot for it.”
Vance also pointed to frustrations over Congress’ budget reconciliation bill as a contributing factor. Musk has been vocal in his opposition to the bill, and Vance acknowledged it likely added to Musk’s agitation.
“It’s a good bill, not a perfect bill,” he said. “It does cut a lot of spending, but if you’re a business leader, you might be frustrated with how slow and bureaucratic the D.C. process can be.”
Still, Vance urged Musk to separate those frustrations from personal attacks, emphasizing that escalating the conflict with Trump serves no one.
JD Vance: Musk Attacking Trump Over Epstein Was a ‘Huge Mistake’