President Donald Trump has recently addressed allegations regarding his former close associate, Elon Musk, and claims of substance use during Musk's tenure as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which aimed at reducing federal expenditures. The Republican leader expressed uncertainty about whether the tech mogul had engaged in drug use within the White House, conveying his desire that such behaviors were not true. “I honestly don’t know. I doubt it. I hope not,” Trump stated to reporters on Monday when inquired about reports suggesting Musk’s excessive use of ketamine, a potent anesthetic, which allegedly resulted in bladder issues for him. The president emphasized that he maintains a “good relationship” with the entrepreneur, who contributed approximately $275 million to support his presidential campaign, and expressed well-wishes for him. “I genuinely wish him the best. Very well, in fact,” the 78-year-old leader remarked.
Following their public disagreements last week, this marks the most extensive statement Trump has made regarding the 53-year-old Musk’s purported consumption of both medicinal and recreational substances. As reported by The New York Times, Musk allegedly used ketamine, ecstasy, and psychedelic mushrooms during the 2024 campaign alongside Trump. Citing sources familiar with the situation, the article indicated that Musk’s drug use over the last year had been more pronounced than previously believed as he grew closer to Trump. The report claimed he was often seen with a daily medication container containing around 20 pills, including those labeled as the stimulant Adderall. Musk, however, took to social media on Saturday to refute the article, asserting, “To be clear, I am NOT taking drugs! The New York Times was lying their butt off.”
He elaborated, “A few years ago, I did try ‘prescription’ ketamine and mentioned it on X, so this isn’t even news. It’s useful for climbing out of severe mental lows, but I haven’t used it since.” Musk had previously acknowledged using ketamine as a prescribed treatment for a “negative frame of mind,” suggesting that his drug use has positively influenced his professional life.
