Elon Musk Refutes Drug Use Claims Following Recent Report

Following allegations published in a recent New York Times article, Elon Musk has categorically rejected claims regarding extensive drug use during the 2024 presidential election cycle, branding the newspaper’s reporting as false.

The publication’s Friday, May 30 story alleged that Musk, who acted as a prominent advisor to Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, had regularly consumed significant quantities of ketamine, resulting in bladder-related health issues.

The article further suggested Musk’s use extended to ecstasy and psychedelic mushrooms, with sources noting his frequent carrying of a pill container during the previous year.

The report left unclear whether such substance use persisted during his leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a position he assumed following Trump’s January inauguration.

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In his Saturday, May 31 response posted on X, his social media platform, Musk stated: “To be clear, I am NOT taking drugs! The New York Times was lying their ass off.”

While denying current use, he confirmed past medical ketamine treatment, explaining, “I tried ‘prescription’ ketamine a few years ago and said so on X, so this (is) not even news. It helps for getting out of dark mental holes, but haven’t taken it since then.”

The newspaper’s investigation emerged alongside Musk’s concluding White House appearance on Friday, which marked his departure from DOGE leadership.

The event drew attention partly due to Musk’s noticeable black eye, sparking additional conjecture. Addressing the injury, Musk attributed it to physical play with his five-year-old son, publicly known as X, commenting, “Turns out even a five-year-old punching you in the face actually is…” before leaving his thought incomplete.

The article additionally referenced historical controversies, highlighting what critics characterized as erratic conduct, including Musk’s animated salute at a January rally celebrating Trump’s second presidential inauguration—a gesture some observers compared to Nazi-era symbolism.

When questioned about the substance abuse allegations at Friday’s gathering, Trump indicated he had no knowledge of any drug use by Musk. “I wasn’t,” Trump replied. “I think Elon is a fantastic guy.”

Musk has openly discussed his previous prescription ketamine treatment for mental health purposes in past statements, and has suggested in previous interviews that thoughtful drug use had, from his perspective, enhanced his creative abilities and professional output.