Donald Trump unaware of Elon Musk's DRUG use
US President Donald Trump said on Friday he was unaware of Elon Musk's alleged drug use, brushing aside reports that the billionaire tech mogul regularly used ketamine, ecstasy, and psychedelic mushrooms during his time as a key figure in Trump's administration.
Speaking during a surreal farewell ceremony in the Oval Office – where Musk formally stepped down from his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) – Trump told reporters: 'I wasn't [aware]. I think Elon is a fantastic guy.'
The remark came hours after The New York Times published a bombshell report claiming Musk's heavy drug use had sparked concern among close aides and campaign staff.
According to the report, Elon Musk's behaviour – including carrying a pill box on official trips – raised questions about his fitness to serve in a senior advisory role.
Despite the mounting allegations, Trump offered no indication that the reported drug use had influenced Musk's departure.
Elon Musk, who appeared at the White House event wearing a 'Dogefather' T-shirt and a dark bruise under his right eye, laughed off questions about the injury. He claimed it resulted from playful roughhousing with his five-year-old son, 'Lil X.'
When pressed on the drug allegations, Musk dodged the question and instead criticised the press, calling out The New York Times for what he described as 'false reporting' and suggesting the story was politically motivated.
The Trump administration downplayed the significance of the drug claims. Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, whose wife reportedly works for Musk, responded dismissively: 'The drugs that we're concerned about are the ones crossing the southern border.'
The low-key reaction contrasts with the typically tough-on-drugs rhetoric of Trump's previous administrations.
Elon Musk's departure comes amid growing tension within Trump's inner circle over spending and the effectiveness of DOGE, which promised $1 trillion in savings but reportedly delivered far less.
Despite stepping down, Musk vowed to remain a close ally.
'I look forward to continuing to be a friend and advisor to the president,' he said.
But with scrutiny over his personal conduct mounting, questions remain about how long Musk can maintain his influence in Trump's orbit – or whether the former president was truly in the dark about his top advisor's controversial habits.
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