Elon Musk’s Alleged Drug Use During Trump Campaign Sparks Controversy
May 31, 2025 – A New York Times report has ignited debate by alleging that Elon Musk, a key supporter of President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign, engaged in heavy drug use during the election period, including frequent consumption of ketamine and psychedelic mushrooms. The report claims Musk’s drug use was more intense than previously known, with sources stating he took ketamine so often it caused bladder issues, a known side effect of chronic use, and used ecstasy and mushrooms at private gatherings. He reportedly carried a daily medication box containing about 20 pills, including some marked as Adderall.
Musk, who donated approximately $275 million to Trump’s campaign and played a prominent role at rallies, endorsed Trump in July 2024 after an assassination attempt on the former president. His involvement extended to leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a Trump initiative to cut federal spending. The report does not confirm whether Musk’s alleged drug use continued during his White House tenure, which ended on May 30, 2025, when he announced his departure to focus on his businesses, including Tesla and SpaceX.
Musk has previously admitted to using ketamine in small doses, prescribed for depression, stating in a March 2024 interview with Don Lemon, “If you’ve used too much ketamine, you can’t really get work done, and I have a lot of work.” He denied heavy use, claiming he took it about every two weeks and told his biographer, “I really don’t like doing illegal drugs.” However, the Times report, citing anonymous sources, suggests his ketamine consumption was near-daily during the campaign, raising concerns among associates about its impact on his health and behavior.
Posts on X reflect polarized reactions. Some users, like @LucasSa56947288, express shock at the allegations, citing Musk’s use of ketamine, ecstasy, mushrooms, and Adderall, while others, like @SarahLarchmont, highlight the intensity of his drug use during the campaign. Critics argue the reports are exaggerated, with one user, @commons96055467, questioning the timing of the revelations. These posts, while capturing public sentiment, are not conclusive evidence.
The allegations come amid Musk’s high-profile political activities, including his controversial tenure at DOGE, marked by erratic behavior such as insulting cabinet members and a reported “Nazi-like” salute at a rally. Stephen Miller, a Trump aide, downplayed the drug concerns, focusing instead on border-related issues. Musk deflected questions about the report during a May 30 Oval Office appearance, dismissing the Times’ credibility. Neither Musk nor his attorney responded to requests for comment.
The report raises questions about the influence of Musk’s alleged drug use on his role in Trump’s campaign and administration, though no evidence suggests it directly impacted policy decisions. As Musk returns to his business empire, facing challenges like Tesla’s sales dip and SpaceX’s rocket setbacks, the controversy underscores the complex intersection of personal conduct and public power. For updates, tune into NPR’s State of the World or visit nytimes.com.
