Elon Musk on Saturday denied a report by The New York Times alleging that he used ketamine and other drugs heavily during the 2024 U.S. campaign season.
The Times claimed the billionaire adviser to former President Donald Trump used such large quantities of ketamine that it led to bladder problems. The report also alleged that Musk consumed ecstasy and psychedelic mushrooms and traveled with a pill box throughout last year. It remains unclear whether he used drugs while leading the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an agency formed by Trump in January.
Responding on his social media platform X, Musk wrote: “To be clear, I am NOT taking drugs! The New York Times was lying their ass off.” He acknowledged past use of prescription ketamine, saying, “I tried ‘prescription’ ketamine a few years ago and said so on X, so this not even news. It helps for getting out of dark mental holes, but haven’t taken it since then.”
The controversy erupted as Musk appeared at a farewell event with Trump in the Oval Office on Friday, marking the end of his role at DOGE, which had been tasked with slashing federal bureaucracy. Musk was seen with a noticeable black eye, which, combined with the timing of the Times report, drew public scrutiny.
He later claimed the injury came from playfully encouraging his young son, X, to punch him in the face — “And he did,” Musk said. “Turns out even a five-year-old punching you in the face actually is…”
When asked by a reporter on Friday whether he was aware of Musk’s alleged drug use, Trump replied, “I wasn’t,” but added, “I think Elon is a fantastic guy.”
Musk has previously admitted to using ketamine with a prescription, citing its benefits for managing depression and boosting productivity.
AFP
