According to the New York Times, the billionaire allegedly used ketamine, ecstasy, and psychedelic mushrooms.
Elon Musk has refuted claims of drug use that surfaced after the New York Times published a report alleging his extensive use of controlled substances during Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.
The NYT article, released on Friday, asserted that Musk’s substance use was “far more intensely than previously known.”
Musk dismissed the allegations in a Saturday post on X, stating: “Also, to be clear, I am NOT taking drugs! The New York Times was lying their ass off.”
He acknowledged that he had “tried prescription ketamine a few years ago” and had previously disclosed this. “This [is] not even news. It helps for getting out of dark mental holes, but haven’t taken it since then,” Musk clarified.
The Times reported that Musk’s alleged ketamine use was so frequent it was impacting his bladder, a known side effect of prolonged use. Citing sources, the article also alleged Musk’s use of ecstasy and psychedelic mushrooms and claimed he carried a daily pill container with approximately 20 pills, including Adderall.
The NYT noted that it’s unclear if Musk was using drugs during his time as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) within the Trump administration, where he was tasked with reducing the federal bureaucracy. However, the report mentioned that during his time as a public servant, the businessman “exhibited erratic behavior,” insulted cabinet members, and at one point made a controversial gesture that was widely interpreted as a Nazi-style salute.
Musk announced his departure from his government role on Thursday. He thanked Trump “for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending” and indicated that DOGE would continue its work.
While Trump suggested that Musk “is really not leaving” and would be “going to be back and forth,” the announcement followed numerous reports of friction between Musk and other administration officials.
In March, the NYT reported clashes between Musk and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio over departmental firings, as well as with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy regarding air traffic control regulations.
Musk also recently expressed his dissatisfaction with Trump’s spending bill, stating that it would increase the deficit and undermine DOGE’s objectives.
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