TSLA outlook drops 6% after Musk associates Gates with a short position.

crypthub

2/16/2026, 7:51:48 PM

Musk's Allegation Against Epstein

Elon Musk claimed Jeffrey Epstein organized a campaign to short Tesla, saying Epstein convinced Bill Gates to hold a 1% short position when the company was valued at $40 billion. Musk presented no documents or verifiable sources for the accusation. The statement appears amid broader speculation about Epstein’s ties to high‑profile business figures.

DOJ Document Release and Emails

On February 16 the Justice Department released three million pages of Epstein files, including emails exchanged with Musk in 2012 and 2013. The messages show Epstein inviting Musk to private parties and a Caribbean island, which Musk declined. Musk has denied ever attending Epstein’s events or participating in illegal activity.

Shift Toward SpaceX and xAI

Amid the controversy, Musk is refocusing from Tesla to a combined SpaceX‑xAI entity now valued at $1.25 trillion. He holds roughly 43% of the venture, worth over $530 billion, reducing his reliance on Tesla. The merger signals a broader strategy to expand his influence across multiple sectors.

Future Financial Initiatives

Musk’s platform X is slated to launch in‑app crypto and stock trading within weeks, aiming to embed financial services directly. SpaceX is also preparing for an IPO that could push its valuation beyond $1.5 trillion. These moves further diversify Musk’s portfolio and market presence.