In addition to speculating about the terms of the deal, Epstein and Glover compiled a list of names in an email thread titled “Other Names.” Glover confirms to WIRED that these were Epstein’s “recommendations for potential board members” of Tesla.
In an Aug. 16 message, Glover suggested: “Former Dep AG and Pepsico GC Larry Thompson? Richard Parsons? Janet Napolitano? Will Indra get more time after Oct. 3? Jill Abramson?” Epstein responded with his own list: “Jill. best on the list. so far… larry summers? kathy ruemmler. margaret thatcher? someone like sen mitchell or bill richardson…. samantha powers?”
Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher he died five years earlier. None of the other recommended candidates appear to serve on Tesla’s board. After starting to develop the list with Epstein, Glover emailed him: “Thank you. Message sent.” Asked if that meant she gave Musk any of the names, Glover wasn’t sure. “I don’t remember what it was referring to,” he says. “It was a long time ago.”
Epstein and Glover simultaneously strategized on how Musk might deal with challenging media reports about his suffering: ‘I’m sure you know that some newspapers are investigating whether your boyfriend was on drugs’ – Epstein he wrote to Glover in mid-August regarding a story to appear in the Times. “There’s nothing wrong with that,” Glover replied. “He hardly drinks at all.” She later predicted that “they will discover that he is pathologically transparent and far too honest.” A couple at some point made an appointment for a telephone interview about range.
Epstein told Glover in an email that he was “happy to help shape your story” by offering “no fingerprints.” But he drew the line in the “deep atmosphere” of a conversation with James B. Stewart, one of four Times reporters who signed on to the story: eloquent Glover: “No, thank you. I live in a dark background.” The articlepublished on August 16, centered around an hour-long interview with Musk, who discussed his emotional fragility and feelings of burnout. It also addressed concerns from Tesla board members about his utilize of the sedative Ambien.
Epstein appears to have considered this profile a victory. In Exchange on August 20 where he asked Thomas whether the “Tesla thing” had been “abandoned”, the reporter replied: “I think his speech relieved him of immediate terminological pressure – even if [it’s] for a short while. It was a smart move.” Epstein replied, “I agree.” During the exchange, Thomas pointed out that Epstein played an important role in setting up the Musk interview, telling the financier that Elon’s “outing was amazing,” adding, “You delivered!”
Epstein also praised Stewart for the track. “Good job. Interview, Jeffrey,” he said sent an SMS reporter August 17.
The article contained no mention or comment from Epstein. But despite his email to Glover about it refuses to comment about this article, wrote Wall Street Journal business reporter Tim Higgins Power playhis 2021 book about Tesla that Epstein actually participated in an additional interview with Stewart, who had heard rumors that Epstein was helping with the search for a fresh Tesla CEO under Musk.