Epstein files continue to be disclosed: Musk, Peter Thiel, and Bannon mentioned

According to CCTV News, citing U.S. media reports on September 26 local time, new documents handed over to congressional investigators by the estate administrator of the late American tycoon Jeffrey Epstein show that in his last years, this convicted sex offender "had connections" with American billionaire Elon Musk. Musk responded on the social platform X later on the 26th local time, claiming: "This is false," but did not elaborate further. In addition to Musk, according to documents released Friday by Democrats on the U.S. House Oversight Committee, several other influential figures are also mentioned, including tech billionaire Peter Thiel and former Trump advisor Steve Bannon. Itinerary records show that Musk once had a tentative plan to visit Epstein's private island on December 6, 2014, but there was a note next to it: "Will this still happen?" Another schedule recorded a lunch planned between Epstein and Peter Thiel on November 27, 2017, and a breakfast scheduled with Bannon on February 16, 2019. These meeting plans are particularly noteworthy because they all took place after Epstein's controversial 2007 plea deal, which required him to register as a sex offender. Many have criticized that the agreement enabled Epstein to continue abusing young women until he was arrested again in 2019 on charges of sex trafficking minors. A few months after his meeting with Bannon, Epstein was arrested on federal sex trafficking charges. Musk's Contradictory Position Musk's name appearing in the documents is particularly notable, as he previously had public disagreements with Trump about the Epstein case. Earlier this year, in his dispute with Trump, Musk accused the Trump administration of failing to release Epstein-related materials because the files mentioned Trump himself. At the time, Musk broke the news on X, saying, "It's time for the real bombshell: Trump is in the Epstein files. That's the real reason these documents aren't public," but later deleted the post. Now, Musk himself is embroiled in the newly disclosed documents, which undoubtedly complicates his previous stance. Partisan Divisions Exposed The release of the documents has immediately sparked clashes between the two parties in Congress. A spokesperson for the Oversight Committee's Republicans accused Democrats of unilaterally releasing information, "pointlessly cherry-picking documents and politicizing the investigation." Democrats, on the other hand, emphasized that every new document provides fresh information for holding people accountable and seeking justice for victims. Sara Guerrero, spokesperson for the committee's Democrats, said in a statement: "Every American should be aware that Jeffrey Epstein was a friend to some of the world's most powerful and wealthy people. As we strive for justice for survivors and victims, every newly produced document brings fresh information." However, a spokesperson representing the Republican majority strongly criticized the Democrats' actions, saying they "regretfully" continue to politicize the selection of documents. The spokesperson claimed that Democrats "intentionally withheld files containing names of Democratic officials," and stated Republicans would release all the files in full after redacting victims' names. In addition to the three aforementioned individuals, the new files also mention other well-known people previously linked to Epstein. The documents show that Bill Gates had a tentative breakfast meeting with Epstein in 2014. An Epstein ledger also listed massage services arranged for Britain’s Prince Andrew, and a suspected 2000 flight log detailed Epstein, his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, and Prince Andrew flying from Teterboro, New Jersey to West Palm Beach, Florida. According to Democratic members of the committee, the materials transferred from Epstein's estate this time total 8,544 items, including telephone message records, flight logs and manifests from 1990 to 2019, as well as ledgers recording Epstein and his business entities' cash transactions and schedules from 2010 to 2019. Risk warning and disclaimer The market has risks, investments need caution. This article does not constitute personal investment advice, nor does it consider the specific investment objectives, financial situation, or needs of individual users. Users should consider whether any opinions, views, or conclusions in this article are suitable for their specific situation. Investing accordingly is at your own risk.