Elon Musk on Saturday publicly denied allegations from a recent New York Times report claiming he extensively used ketamine and other drugs during the 2024 U.S. campaign season.
According to the Times, the billionaire entrepreneur and former adviser to President Donald Trump allegedly used such a high quantity of ketamine, a potent anaesthetic, that he developed bladder issues.
The report also stated that Musk consumed ecstasy and psychedelic mushrooms, often traveling with a pill box, although it remains unclear whether he used these substances during his tenure as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a role he assumed after Trump returned to office in January.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Musk pushed back strongly against the report.
“To be clear, I am NOT taking drugs! The New York Times was lying their ass off,” Musk wrote in a post on Saturday.
He acknowledged having tried ketamine in the past under medical supervision.
“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,” he added.
The denial came a day after Musk made a bizarre farewell appearance at the White House, where he stood alongside Trump in the Oval Office to formally step down as the administration’s top efficiency officer.
At the event, Musk sported a noticeable black eye, which added fuel to the media frenzy, especially in light of the Times’ damning exposé.
The publication also referenced erratic behavior, including Musk reportedly giving an enthusiastic Nazi-style salute at a January rally celebrating Trump’s inauguration.
When asked about the visible injury, Musk explained that it happened at home during a playful moment with his son.
“I got the injury while horsing around with my young son, named X, when I told the child to hit me in the face.
And he did. Turns out even a five-year-old punching you in the face actually is…” he said, trailing off mid-thought.
Later on Friday, a reporter asked President Trump whether he was aware of Musk’s alleged drug use. Trump denied any knowledge of such behavior.
“I wasn’t,” Trump replied.
“I think Elon is a fantastic guy,” he added.
Musk has previously spoken openly about his ketamine use, claiming it was prescribed to treat a “negative frame of mind” and suggesting that, in some cases, drug use had even enhanced his productivity.
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