Elon Musk denies drug use allegations: 'I am not taking drugs!'
WASHINGTON, June 1: Elon Musk on Saturday denied a report published by The New York Times alleging that he used ketamine and other drugs extensively during the 2024 presidential campaign season.
The Times reported Friday that Musk, who served as a key adviser to President Donald Trump, allegedly consumed large amounts of ketamine — an anesthetic sometimes prescribed for depression — leading to bladder issues. The report also claimed that Musk used ecstasy and psychedelic mushrooms, and often carried a pill box while traveling.
The publication added that it was unclear whether Musk continued to use such substances after assuming his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) following Trump's inauguration in January.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Musk pushed back strongly against the claims, writing: 'To be clear, I am NOT taking drugs! The New York Times was lying their ... off.'
Musk acknowledged that he had used prescription ketamine in the past, stating, '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 Tesla and SpaceX CEO's denial came a day after his final appearance as director of DOGE at the White House. During the event, he was seen with a noticeable black eye, which drew attention in light of the timing of the drug allegations. Musk explained the injury occurred while playing with his young son, X, telling the child to punch him as a joke. 'And he did. Turns out even a five-year-old punching you in the face actually is...' Musk said, before trailing off.
The Times report also cited past erratic behavior, including an incident at a Trump inauguration rally in January where Musk was described as delivering an enthusiastic Nazi-style salute.
When asked by a reporter on Friday whether he was aware of Musk's alleged drug use, President Trump responded, 'I wasn't,' adding, 'I think Elon is a fantastic guy.'
Musk has previously disclosed that he was prescribed ketamine to treat what he described as a 'negative frame of mind,' and has suggested in the past that such treatments may have had a positive impact on his productivity.
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