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Business Standard
4 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
'Let's move on': Elon Musk shrugs off drug use accusation at White House
The New York Times report alleges Elon Musk frequently used ketamine, ecstasy, and psychedelics during his time in Trump's administration, sometimes daily, raising concerns over his behaviour New Delhi Elon Musk's tenure as part of US President Donald Trump's administration has come under renewed scrutiny following a New York Times investigation alleging frequent drug use and erratic behaviour. The report alleged Musk consumed ketamine, ecstasy, and psychedelic mushrooms while serving as a 'special government employee' at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). According to sources cited in the report, Musk's drug use — reportedly far more frequent than he previously admitted — sparked alarm among government insiders. Although Musk claimed in a March 2024 interview with journalist Don Lemon that he used ketamine in 'small doses every two weeks', news reports allege he often took it daily, contributing to bladder issues. 'If you've used too much ketamine, you can't really get work done, and I have a lot of work,' Musk told Lemon. Musk's daily medication box allegedly held around 20 pills, including Adderall, intensifying concerns about his physical and mental well-being. His influence in the administration grew alongside a $275 million donation to Trump's presidential campaign, deepening questions about the intersection of power and substance use. Erratic conduct in office Despite SpaceX's strict drug-free workplace policy, insiders claim Musk received advance warnings of random drug tests, undermining the system's integrity. Being classified as a 'special government employee', Musk was exempt from many federal restrictions on drug use — though recreational use of substances like ecstasy and ketamine would typically violate federal workplace policies. Musk deflects during farewell speech When Fox News's Peter Doocy questioned Musk about the New York Times allegations during his farewell speech at the White House, Musk responded dismissively. 'Is the New York Times, is that the same publication that got a Pulitzer Prize for false reporting on the Russia-gate? Is that the same organisation? I think it is,' Musk said, turning to Trump. 'I think the judge just ruled against the New York Times for their lies about the Russia-gate hoax, and they may have to give back their Pulitzer Prize. That New York Times, let's move on.' White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller also avoided addressing concerns over Musk's drug use. 'The drugs we're concerned about are the drugs pouring across the southern border. Next question,' he told reporters.
India.com
4 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
Elon Musk Shrugs Off NYTs Drug Consuming Report During DOGE Stint
New Delhi: Elon Musk's tumultuous stint in Donald Trump's administration has sparked intense backlash following a scathing New York Times expose claiming alleged frequent drug use during his time at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The report alleges Musk's frequent indulgence in ketamine, ecstasy, and psychedelic mushrooms, sparking concerns about his judgment and fitness for his government advisory role. However, Musk vehemently dismissed the allegations during his farewell speech at the White House, with Trump by his side, launching a scorching attack on the publication instead of addressing the substance of the claims. It's worth noting that Musk's role in the administration was part of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where he led a team of young staffers and employees from his companies to overhaul federal agencies. While answering a question raised regarding this issue, Musk underscored, "The New York Times is that the same publication that got a Pulitzer Prize for false reporting on the Russia Gate? Is it the same organization? I gotta check my Pulitzer counter." Turning to Trump, he again said, "I think it is." Aiming his gun further on the publication, he added, "I think the judge just ruled against the New York Times for their lies about the Russia-gate hoax, and they may have to give back their Pulitzer Prize. That New York Times, let's move on." — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 31, 2025 Furthermore, when White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller was asked about concerns regarding Musk's drug use, he avoided the topic, saying, "The drugs we're concerned about are the drugs pouring across the southern border. Next question." The report further stated that Musk and his lawyer did not respond to requests for comment this week about his drug use and personal life. He has previously said he was prescribed ketamine for depression, taking it about every two weeks. And he told his biographer, 'I really don't like doing illegal drugs.' Musk's daily medication box reportedly held around 20 pills, including Adderall, intensifying concerns about his physical and mental well-being during a period when he donated $275 million to Trump's campaign and took on a prominent role in the administration, the report further quoted.
India Today
4 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
Elon Musk dismisses drug allegations, slams NYT in Oval Office response
Elon Musk's controversial tenure as part of Donald Trump's administration has drawn fresh scrutiny following a New York Times report claiming alleged frequent drug use and erratic behaviour during his time as the head of the so-called 'Department of Government Efficiency' (DOGE).According to sources cited in the report, Musk regularly consumed ketamine, ecstasy and psychedelic mushrooms, raising alarm given his government advisory Musk publicly claimed in a March 2024 interview with journalist Don Lemon that he took ketamine only 'in small doses every two weeks,' insiders say he used it far more frequently, sometimes daily, allegedly causing bladder issues. '"If you've used too much ketamine, you can't really get work done, and I have a lot of work,' Musk told to the report, Musk's daily medication box reportedly held around 20 pills, including Adderall, intensifying concerns about his physical and mental well-being during a period when he donated $275 million to Trump's campaign and took on a prominent role in the Musk's influence within the Trump administration grew, so did reports of unpredictable conduct. He allegedly insulted cabinet members, and during one political rally, even made a gesture resembling a Nazi salute, prompting widespread friend and public thinker Sam Harris remarked in a January newsletter: "There is something seriously wrong with his moral compass, if not his perception of reality."During his farewell speech, when Fox News's Peter Doocy asked Musk about the New York Times report, Musk deflected by attacking the publication.'Is the New York Times, is that the same publication that got a Pulitzer Prize for false reporting on the Russia-gate? Is that the same organisation? I think it is,' he said, turning to Trump. 'I think it is.'Turning to Trump, Musk added, 'I think the judge just ruled against the New York Times for their lies about the Russia-gate hoax and they may have to give back their Pulitzer Prize. That New York Times, let's move on.'Furthermore, when White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller was asked about concerns regarding Musk's drug use, he avoided the topic, saying, 'The drugs we're concerned about are the drugs pouring across the southern border. Next question.'Notably, Musk, while classified as a 'special government employee', was exempt from many federal restrictions on drug SpaceX, one of Musk's companies, enforces a strict drug-free workplace policy, insiders claim he received advance warnings of random drug tests, casting doubt on the system's InMust Watch IN THIS STORY#United States of America#Elon Musk#Donald Trump#White House
NDTV
4 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Elon Musk Responds To NYT's Drug Abuse Charge From The Oval Office
Elon Musk's association with Donald Trump's administration was marked by controversy and erratic behaviour, with sources close to the billionaire entrepreneur revealing a darker side to his involvement. According to a New York Times report, Musk's consumption of ketamine, ecstasy, and psychedelic mushrooms raised eyebrows, particularly given his influential role in the "department of government efficiency". Musk's daily medication box, containing around 20 pills, including Adderall, has sparked concerns about his substance use. In a striking contradiction, Musk told journalist Don Lemon in March 2024 that he took ketamine in small doses every two weeks, saying, "If you've used too much ketamine, you can't really get work done, and I have a lot of work." However, sources suggest he was using it far more frequently, sometimes daily, which reportedly affected his bladder. His drug use got worse as he donated $275m to Trump's presidential campaign and then spearheaded the 'department of government efficiency', or Doge. As Musk's role in the administration grew, so did concerns about his behavior. He was known to insult cabinet members and made a Nazi-like salute at a political rally, sparking widespread criticism. Sam Harris, a public intellectual and former friend, wrote in a January newsletter, "There is something seriously wrong with his moral compass, if not his perception of reality." Ecstasy is a drug classified by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a Schedule I controlled substance. It has no medical use and it is completely prohibited for federal employees. Musk being a 'special government employee' was not subjected to these stringent rules. Similarly, the use of ketamine would also violate federal workplace politics, if used recreationally, although it can be legally prescribed as a Schedule III substance. Musk's exit from government service has raised questions about the intersection of power, privilege, and substance use. With SpaceX maintaining strict drug-free policies for employees, it's unclear how Musk's habits affected his work. Insiders said that Musk received advance warnings of random drug tests - undermining their effectiveness. To a question asked about Musk's drug use during his time in the White House, by Fox News's Peter Doocy during his farewell speech, Musk replied, 'Is the New York Times, is that the same publication that got a Pulitzer Prize for false reporting on the Russia-gate? Is that the same organisation? I think it is,' he said, turning to Trump. 'I think it is.' 'I think the judge just ruled against the New York Times for their lines about the Russia-gate hoax and they may have to give back their Pulitzer Prize. That New York Times, let's move on,' he said. Asked if the White House had concerns about drug use by Elon Musk, as detailed by The New York Times, the White House deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller, dodged the question. He told reporters outside the West Wing that 'the drugs we're concerned about are the drugs pouring across the southern border. Next question.'
The Hill
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hill
Musk slams New York Times after report on alleged drug use
Tech billionaire Elon Musk slammed The New York Times on Friday over a detailed report that he sparked concerns on the campaign trail with his drug use. Fox News's Peter Doocy asked Musk, while standing next to President Trump in the Oval Office, about the new reporting, saying it 'accuses you of blurring the line between—' Musk interrupted him and bashed the outlet, which reported that Musk told people during the campaign he was using ketamine so often that it was impacting his bladder, along with utilizing psychedelic mushrooms and taking ecstasy. 'Is the New York Times, is that the same publication that got a Pulitzer Price for false reporting on the Russia-gate? Is that the same organization? I think it is,' he said, turning to Trump. 'I think it is.' Trump replied, 'it is.' 'I think the judge just ruled against New York Times for their lines about the Russia-gate hoax and they may have to give back their Pulitzer Prize. That New York Times, let's move on,' he said, pointing to Doocy and then gesturing away. The Tesla CEO was referring to a recent ruling from a judge allowing Trump's lawsuit against the Pulitzer Board to proceed. Trump had sued the Pulitzer board after it refused to rescind the coveted journalism prize that The New York Times and The Washington post received for coverage of Russian interference in the 2016 campaign. Lawyers for the Pulitzer board earlier this year asked the court to pause the defamation lawsuit until Trump is no longer president. There is no indication that New York Times' Pulitzer Prize award has not been impacted as the case makes its way through the courts. The New York Times report on Friday about Musk cited photos and messages with people who knew him and noted he would travel every day with a box containing 20 pills, some of which were marked as Adderall. White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller earlier on Friday shrugged off a question about the new report, saying that 'the drugs that we're concerned about are the drugs running across the southern border.' Friday marks Musk's last day at the helm of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the president started the press conference in the Oval Office with a length recap of DOGE's accomplishments.
