NYT Reports "Continued Drug Use During Presidential Election"
Musk Directly Refutes: "Only Took Prescribed Medication"
During last year's US presidential election, reports emerged alleging that Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, excessively used drugs such as ketamine. Musk has denied these claims.
On May 31 (local time), Musk responded to the drug abuse reports on X (formerly Twitter), a social networking service, stating, "I took 'prescribed' ketamine a few years ago, and this is not news," adding, "It helped me escape a dark mental rut, but I have not taken it since then." Ketamine, which was also cited as a cause of death for Matthew Perry, who played Chandler in the popular American sitcom 'Friends,' is a powerful anesthetic but is sometimes used to treat depression.
The previous day, the New York Times (NYT), citing sources, reported that "Musk regularly used drugs while supporting Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump." Someone familiar with Musk said his drug consumption far exceeded occasional use. Additionally, Musk reportedly told those around him, "I have taken so much ketamine that it has affected my bladder." Attendees of private gatherings held around the world testified that "(Musk) used not only ketamine but also ecstasy and hallucinogenic mushrooms."
On the previous day, US President Donald Trump was asked by a reporter whether he was aware of Musk's habitual drug use. Trump replied, "No, I didn't know. I think he's really fantastic."
US President Donald Trump (right) and Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla's son, X Ash A Twelve. Photo by AFP Yonhap News
Meanwhile, Musk recently stepped down as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which was responsible for overseeing government spending cuts under the Trump administration. He stated that he would continue to serve as an advisor to President Trump. At his resignation press conference, Musk appeared with swelling and a purple bruise around his right eye, which drew attention. When reporters asked about the injury, he replied, "It didn't happen in France," referencing a recent incident in which a video surfaced of French President Emmanuel Macron's wife, Brigitte Macron, appearing to strike his face on a plane before a trip to Vietnam.
Musk explained, "While playing with my son 'X,' I told him, 'Go ahead and hit me,' and he actually hit me in the face. I didn't feel much at the time, but later, I saw that I had a bruise." In response, President Trump asked, "Did X do that?" and added, "X could definitely do that. Anyone who knows X knows he's more than capable."
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