New Delhi: Tech titan and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has vehemently denied a recent report from The New York Times alleging his extensive use of ketamine and other illicit drugs, particularly during the 2024 Presidential campaign trail.
Taking to his platform X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Musk asserted, “To be clear, I am NOT taking drugs! The New York Times was lying their ass off.”
Musk clarified his prior statements regarding ketamine, noting he “tried ‘prescription’ ketamine a few years ago” and openly discussed it on X at the time. “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.
😂💯
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
This aligns with his previous acknowledgements of using prescribed ketamine to manage a negative mindset, claiming it aided his work.
The New York Times report, published Friday, had claimed that Musk, a prominent advisor to US President Donald Trump, consumed so much ketamine that it led to bladder issues. The article further alleged his use of ecstasy and mushrooms, and that he travelled with a pillbox last year. It remained unclear whether any alleged drug use occurred while he was leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an agency Trump established in January.
The controversy shadowed Musk’s recent Oval Office farewell appearance with Trump on Friday, marking the conclusion of his role as the chief cost-cutter at DOGE, where he oversaw the dismissal of thousands of civil servants.
During this event, Musk sidestepped a question about his alleged drug use, though he was visibly sporting a black eye. He lightheartedly explained the injury resulted from playing with his young son, X, whom he had encouraged to hit him. “Turns out even a five-year-old punching you in the face actually is…” Musk remarked, trailing off.
The Times piece also recalled past instances of what it described as erratic behavior by Musk, including a highly publicized incident last year involving an “enthusiastic Nazi-style salute.” When questioned about Musk’s alleged drug use later on Friday, former President Trump responded, “I wasn’t” aware, adding, “I think Elon is a fantastic guy.”
