Elon Musk has strongly denied allegations that he extensively used ketamine and other drugs during the 2024 U.S. presidential campaign, branding a recent New York Times report as “a lie.”
The newspaper claimed on May 30 that Musk, who served as a high-profile adviser to then-candidate Donald Trump, consumed significant amounts of ketamine, which reportedly caused bladder issues.
The report also alleged use of ecstasy and psychedelic mushrooms, noting that Musk was frequently seen carrying a pill box throughout last year. It remained unclear whether Musk continued drug use while heading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a role he took on after Trump’s inauguration in January.
Responding via his social media platform X on May 31, Musk wrote: “To be clear, I am NOT taking drugs! The New York Times was lying their ass off.” He admitted to having tried prescription ketamine years ago, tweeting, “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 timing of the report coincided with Musk’s final appearance at the White House on May 30, marking the end of his tenure at DOGE. The event took on an unusual tone, with Musk sporting a visible black eye, fueling further speculation. Musk attributed the injury to playful roughhousing with his five-year-old son, X. “Turns out even a five-year-old punching you in the face actually is…” he trailed off.
The article also revisited previous controversies, including Musk’s enthusiastic salute at a January rally celebrating Trump’s second inauguration — an action critics likened to a Nazi-style gesture.
When asked about the drug claims during the event, Trump said he was unaware of any substance use by Musk. “I wasn’t,” Trump responded. “I think Elon is a fantastic guy.”
Musk has previously acknowledged being prescribed ketamine for mental health reasons and has spoken in earlier interviews about responsible drug use positively impacting his creativity and work.
