Bulwark Takes – Episode Summary

Episode Title: BREAKING: Elon Musk, Others Named in Newly Released Epstein Documents
Date: September 26, 2025
Hosts: JVL & Joe Perdicone

Brief Overview

This special segment of “Bulwark Takes” covers the latest release of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents, specifically flight logs and scheduling materials recently made public by House Democrats on the Oversight Committee. The conversation between JVL and Joe Perdicone dissects key names—such as Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, and Steve Bannon—referenced in these documents and places their appearance into current political and cultural context.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Nature and Origin of the Documents

• The released batch consists of six pages of flight logs and scheduling emails from Epstein’s estate, not government records.
• Joe clarifies this reduces the likelihood of recent tampering:
  • “In order for them to have been tampered with, somebody would have had to tampered with them years and years and years ago. So the long game. Yeah, it kind of cancels out the idea that, you know, this could be planted.” (00:53, Joe Perdicone)
• House Democrats are gradually releasing the documents, reviewing carefully to avoid outing victims or sensitive information—a process praised by both hosts for its caution and responsibility.

2. Key Names Surfacing in New Documents

• Peter Thiel: Scheduled for lunch with Epstein.
• Steve Bannon: Scheduled for breakfast.
• Elon Musk: Most notably, a scheduling note:
  • “‘FYI, Elon Musk heading to the island.’ And then in parentheses, ‘Is this still on?’” (02:16, Joe Perdicone)
• Prince Andrew reappears, though this is unsurprising given earlier reports.

3. Timing and Political Dynamics

• The referenced note regarding Musk is from 2014, “a good six years after the sweetheart plea deal that Epstein got.” (02:47, Joe Perdicone)
• The hosts highlight how the document release has become a power play for House Democrats, using committee oversight even from minority status.
• “If [Democrats are] in the majority…they can do things like subpoena Elon Musk to come testify and say, well, what were you doing? Did you go to the island?” (03:11, Joe Perdicone)
• Point made that the Republican members of the committee also have the documents but “aren’t releasing anything.” (04:31, Joe Perdicone)

4. Elon Musk’s Political Transformation and Public Perception

• JVL explores how Musk’s political evolution—from “lib Democrat” in 2014 to modern MAGA icon—may affect partisan reactions:
  • “Does Elon get saved by the fact that six years later…he leaves the Democratic Party and becomes a Trump supporter for 14 months before falling out with Trump? Do you think that gets him immunity? Is that like getting vaccinated?” (03:50, JVL)
• Both hosts muse on how neither party is immune from connection to Epstein, citing earlier document drops involving Bill Clinton.

5. Speculation & Cultural References

• The segment makes light of the ambiguity of these meetings and trips, likening the uncertainty around Musk’s attendance to a classic "Simpsons" moment:
  • “It could be like in the Simpsons…Principal Skinner's like, I only went in there to get directions on how to get away from there.” (02:47, Joe Perdicone)
• Another pop culture reference: the “It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia” defense of going to the island “just for the snorkeling.” (05:30, Joe Perdicone)
• They emphasize the business context but also the mystery:
  • “So what are you going to the island other than to have a good time?” (05:30, Joe Perdicone)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “FYI, Elon Musk heading to the island. And then in parentheses, is this still on?” — Joe Perdicone (02:16)
• “If [Democrats are] in the majority…they can do things like subpoena Elon Musk to come testify and say, well, what were you doing? Did you go to the island?” — Joe Perdicone (03:11)
• “Does Elon get saved by the fact that six years later…he leaves the Democratic Party and becomes a Trump supporter for 14 months before falling out with Trump? Do you think that gets him immunity? Is that like getting vaccinated?” — JVL (03:50)
• “It could be like in The Simpsons…he only went in there to get directions on how to get away from there.” — Joe Perdicone (02:47)
• “It's always the ones you least. Or is it most expect? I forget how the saying goes. It's impossible to know.” — JVL (05:10)
• “Because the rest of the world may have given up on the Epstein story, but we sure as hell haven’t.” — JVL (06:05)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:30 — JVL introduces the new Epstein document release and hands over to Joe.
• 00:53 — Joe Perdicone explains document origin and vetting process.
• 02:16 — Disclosure of key names: Thiel, Bannon, and the Musk scheduling note.
• 02:47 — Discussion of Musk’s 2014 connection and pop culture analogy.
• 03:11 — Congressional oversight strategies and potential for future subpoenas.
• 03:50 — JVL on Musk’s political switch and expected partisan reactions.
• 05:10 — Reflection on how expected (or unexpected) the names are.
• 05:56 — Foreshadowing further revelations if Democrats take House majority.

Final Thoughts

This episode delivers a quick but comprehensive breakdown of the latest Epstein file revelations, focusing on the big-name figures newly connected (at least on paper) to Epstein in the early 2010s. The hosts balance skepticism with context, noting both business justifications and the unexplained nature of certain “trips to the island.” The tone is lively, irreverent, and frequently references pop culture to underscore the murky, sometimes absurd, ongoing connections between influential public figures and the late financier. The takeaway is that the Bulwark team has not tired of pursuing the Epstein story and will remain engaged as more details emerge.