Newly released Justice Department files reveal that Jeffrey Epstein advised an associate of Elon Musk during a chaotic period for Tesla in 2018, when the CEO was considering taking the electric car company private. The correspondence between Epstein and lobbyist Juleanna Glover shows discussions about securing financing, potential board members, and even Musk’s leadership qualities. These exchanges took place while Musk was facing public scrutiny over erratic behavior, including a defamation lawsuit stemming from a controversial tweet.
Musk’s 2018 Crisis and Epstein’s Intervention
In August 2018, Musk tweeted that he was “considering taking Tesla private” at $420 per share, claiming “funding secured.” The announcement triggered an SEC investigation for securities fraud. Simultaneously, Glover was reaching out to Epstein for guidance on navigating a potential deal with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Epstein, who had connections to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was asked to persuade PIF to commit to the take-private transaction. Glover believed Epstein’s influence could help, stating she “heard that Epstein was close to MBS, so I reached out.” Musk himself was reportedly unaware of these communications.
Deal Discussions and Board Member Recommendations
Emails show Glover shared Tesla’s financial data with Epstein, highlighting its growth potential. Epstein responded with skepticism, emphasizing the importance of “cash flows” and “stability,” given Musk’s recent outbursts. Despite doubts, Glover continued to seek Epstein’s counsel, even compiling a list of potential Tesla board members at his suggestion.
The list included names like former Deputy Attorney General Larry Thompson, Richard Parsons, and even deceased figures like Margaret Thatcher. Epstein’s role extended to influencing media coverage, offering to “shape” a New York Times profile of Musk while maintaining “no fingerprints.” The article, which ran with Musk’s cooperation, addressed concerns about his emotional state and Ambien use.
Epstein’s Influence Confirmed by Reporters
The released files confirm Epstein’s active involvement in behind-the-scenes negotiations. He directly communicated with Times reporter Landon Thomas Jr., falsely claiming Musk needed less than $10 billion in cash for the deal. In a later exchange, Thomas acknowledged Epstein’s “epic” role in securing the Musk interview, stating, “You delivered!”
Epstein also praised the article to Times reporter James B. Stewart, while insisting he would not provide on-the-record comments. Despite denying any role to Glover, evidence suggests Epstein sat for a background interview with Stewart at Musk’s direction.
The revelations underscore the extent to which Epstein’s network intersected with high-profile business figures even after his conviction for sex offenses. The episode raises questions about due diligence, ethical boundaries, and the lengths to which individuals will go to secure deals, regardless of the company they keep.
