Elon Musk has vehemently denied allegations of drug abuse leveled against him by the New York Times. The NYT article, published Friday, claimed Musk’s use of ketamine, ecstasy, and psychedelic mushrooms was “far more intense than previously known,” even suggesting it impacted his bladder function. The article also cited sources claiming Musk carried a daily medication box containing around 20 pills, including Adderall.
Musk swiftly responded on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, flatly denying the allegations. He stated, “Also, to be clear, I am NOT taking drugs! The New York Times was lying their ass off.” He did admit to trying prescription ketamine a few years ago, publicly disclosing this for the first time, adding that it was to help him overcome periods of intense mental distress. He emphasized he hadn’t used it since.
The NYT article further speculated on Musk’s drug use during his time as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under the Trump administration. While the article didn’t definitively link his alleged drug use to his behavior in office, it did highlight instances of what it described as “erratic behavior,” including insulting cabinet members and a controversial gesture interpreted by many as a Nazi salute. Musk recently resigned from his DOGE position, thanking Trump for the opportunity but citing disagreements over spending and internal conflicts.
Musk’s resignation followed previous reports of tensions with administration officials, including clashes with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. He also expressed disappointment with Trump’s spending bill, arguing it would contradict DOGE’s mission of reducing federal spending. The timing of Musk’s departure and the NYT’s report has fueled speculation about the underlying causes of his resignation and the accuracy of the newspaper’s claims. The story continues to unfold, with both sides firmly entrenched in their positions.
