Elon Musk has strongly denied a report claiming he regularly used drugs like ketamine, ecstasy, and mushrooms in 2024 while involved in politics.
On Friday, The New York Times published an article saying Musk took so much ketamine that it caused bladder issues. The report also claimed he often carried a pill box and might have used drugs while working for former President Donald Trump as the head of the “Department of Government Efficiency” (called DOGE), which aimed to reduce government staff after Trump returned to power in January.
Responding on Saturday through a post on X (formerly Twitter), Musk said:
“To be clear, I am NOT taking drugs! The New York Times was lying their ass off.”
He explained that he had tried prescription ketamine a few years ago to help with mental health struggles but hasn’t taken it since.
😂💯
Also, to be clear, I am NOT taking drugs! The New York Times was lying their ass off.
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.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 31, 2025
Musk’s statement came after a strange farewell event with Trump at the White House on Friday, where Musk was seen with a black eye. He was stepping down from his role at DOGE, which had laid off many government employees.
The black eye raised questions, especially following the drug use report. Musk later said he got the injury while playing with his young son, X.
“I told him to hit me in the face — and he did. Turns out even a five-year-old can pack a punch,” Musk joked.
The Times also pointed out Musk’s odd behavior, including a salute at a Trump rally earlier this year that resembled a Nazi gesture, which added to the controversy.
When asked about Musk’s alleged drug use, Trump said he wasn’t aware and called Musk “a fantastic guy.”
In the past, Musk has admitted to using ketamine to manage negative thoughts and said it helped his creativity and work.
