Billionaire entrepreneur and top donor to Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign, Elon Musk, came under fresh fire on Friday for suspected drug abuse, as he resigned from his position as the US government’s “cost cutter-in-chief.” According to a New York Times report, Musk habitually used ketamine while campaigning, resulting in reported bladder problems a recognized side effect of long-term use. The newspaper also reported that Musk had used Ecstasy and psychedelic mushrooms, frequently carrying a pill box.
The story broke hours before Musk made a farewell press conference appearance in the White House with President Trump. Although Musk never responded to the charges directly, the White House tried to change the subject. “The drugs that are of concern to us are the drugs that are entering the country across the southern border,” said Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.
Musk has also had a history of confessing to using ketamine for psychological purposes, citing that it improved his creativity and productivity. The recent allegations, however, add to controversy surrounding his short and unstable tenure heading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Formerly greeted with fanfare and even an Oval Office meeting with his son, Musk’s hawkish expense-cutting initiatives, such as eliminating federal positions and closing offices like USAID, created outrage. Although earlier promised at $2 trillion in savings, watchdogs approximate the real cuts at only $12 billion, with some estimating even lower.
Last Friday, Trump gave Musk a symbolic gold key, acclaiming his work and foreshadowing future engagement. Musk, meanwhile, labeled his efforts in government reduction as “a way of life” and pledged continued assistance.
His exit comes as tensions rise within his own firms. Tesla is being pressured by investors as sales plummet, and SpaceX has suffered a series of rocket failures.
Musk ended the affair by vowing to return to the Oval Office but this time as a friend and adviser.
