The world’s richest man, Elon Musk and former head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under President Donald Trump, has strongly refuted claims that he misused ketamine and other substances during the 2024 U.S. presidential campaign.
In a fiery post on his social media platform, X, on Saturday, May 31, Musk wrote:
“To be clear, I am NOT taking drugs! The New York Times was lying their ass off.”
The billionaire’s denial comes in response to a detailed exposé published by The New York Times on May 30, which alleged Musk’s heavy ketamine use, bladder issues, and involvement with drugs like ecstasy and psychedelic mushrooms throughout Trump’s campaign and subsequent inauguration.
Musk Acknowledges Past Ketamine Use—But Not Abuse
While Musk admitted to trying prescription ketamine in the past to cope with depression, he clarified:
“It helps for getting out of dark mental holes, but haven’t taken it since then.”
He dismissed the allegations as recycled speculation, noting that his previous use of ketamine had already been publicly disclosed on X long before the report surfaced.
The DOGE Tenure and Speculation
The timing of the report is notable—it dropped just as Musk made his final appearance at the White House to conclude his role at DOGE, an agency Trump created to streamline federal bureaucracy.
At the event, Musk was seen with a visible black eye, sparking additional rumors. He attributed the injury to playful “roughhousing” with his five-year-old son, publicly known as X:
“Turns out even a five-year-old punching you in the face actually is…” Musk said, trailing off mid-sentence.
Trump Responds
When asked about the drug use allegations during the same event, President Trump distanced himself from the matter but offered praise for Musk:
“I wasn’t [aware of any drug use]. I think Elon is a fantastic guy.”
Controversial Flashbacks and Political Heat
The Times piece also dredged up earlier controversies, including Musk’s January 2025 rally appearance during Trump’s second inauguration. Critics at the time accused Musk of performing a salute resembling a Nazi gesture, an event that reignited scrutiny of his behavior and associations.
Despite these allegations, Musk’s defenders argue that his eccentricity and public openness about mental health have long been misunderstood or exploited by the media.
Conclusion
This latest clash between Musk and mainstream media, particularly The New York Times, adds to a growing list of disputes as the billionaire continues to straddle the worlds of politics, tech, and culture wars. As speculation mounts, Musk appears poised to defend his reputation head-on, with his signature blend of bravado and bluntness.
