A recent report from *The New York Times* suggests Elon Musk’s previous admission of ketamine use was a significant understatement. Sources close to the situation claim his consumption went far beyond the “small amount” he mentioned in a Don Lemon interview last year. The *Times*’ investigation, based on interviews with over a dozen individuals who’ve known or worked with Musk, paints a picture of ketamine use that, at times, reached daily levels and was combined with other unspecified drugs.
This revelation comes on the heels of Musk’s public endorsement of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. The *Times* reports that during this period, Musk confided in others about the impact of his ketamine use, specifically mentioning bladder issues—a known side effect of chronic use. The report raises questions about the extent of his drug use during his four-month leadership of DOGE, stating that the specifics remain unclear.
Sources also expressed concern to the *Times* about Musk’s frequent drug use, mood swings, and preoccupation with having more children. The description of his daily ketamine usage significantly contradicts Musk’s prior statement to Don Lemon, where he claimed to use it only every two weeks for depression treatment. Adding further complexity, the *Times* alleges that Musk received advanced notice of random drug tests required by government contractors like SpaceX, suggesting potential circumvention of standard procedures.
This new report echoes concerns raised in a January 2024 *Wall Street Journal* article, which cited sources claiming Musk’s use of LSD, cocaine, ecstasy, and psychedelic mushrooms at private parties. This earlier report also mentioned that some Tesla board members had privately voiced concerns about Musk’s alleged drug use over the years, noting the difficulty in addressing the issue due to their personal relationships with him.
The *New York Times* report adds a new layer of complexity to the narrative surrounding Elon Musk, raising questions about his judgment and decision-making during a period of significant public and professional activity. The discrepancy between his public statements and the reported extent of his drug use underscores the challenges of navigating the intersection of public image and private behavior, particularly for figures of such prominence.
