Elon Musk, at this time, faces attention about drugs due to media reports concerning his time working for the Trump Administration. Musk reportedly held federal responsibility as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), but the New York Times says he took drugs such as ketamine, ecstasy, psychedelic mushrooms, and stimulants during his tenure.
Mounting Allegations Amid Oval Office Farewell
In the Oval Office after finishing his role, Musk was irate when a Fox News reporter inquired about the Times report. He jokingly turned aside the inquiry and accused the outlet of reporting “fake news,” but he never denied the major allegations. Joining Musk onstage, Donald Trump said he is a fantastic leader and one of the greatest business minds the world has seen.
It is said in The Times report that Musk would use ketamine nearly every day during his presidential campaign and while he was serving in the federal government. According to people close to Musk, he used this at a high frequency, which damaged his bladder. Musk often declares he uses ketamine for depression in small amounts, but people who know him claim he uses it much more often.
Public Statements and Pushback
In a post on X, Musk said he “IS NOT taking drugs” and explained that he tried ketamine through a prescription a few years earlier and hasn’t used it again. He claimed the New York Times was not telling the truth. Musk has spoken about taking ketamine with medical guidance to handle his depression, telling Don Lemon that he was prescribed very small doses every few weeks. He denied abusing the drug, saying that excessive use would prevent him from working, something he emphasized he does constantly.
His statements aside, many are worried about the possible effects of Musk’s drug use on his different responsibilities in both the private and public arenas. He leads major businesses such as Tesla, SpaceX, and X, a social media platform, and he needs to have a top-secret security clearance, which often requires him to be tested for drugs.
Erratic Behavior and Controversial Leadership at DOGE
Besides the drug news, his time in charge of DOGE was marked by a lot of drama. Sources from inside the White House state that there have been erratic actions, putting focus on unclear remarks in front of the public, inappropriate comments to fellow staff members, and at times, strange decisions. Musk and his agency were assigned to cut federal expenses, and he bragged that they saved $105 billion for taxpayers. Yet, audits done later confirmed that the listed hits to Medicare actually were not as serious and uncovered that some changes were made around.
There are people who believe that, because of Musk’s strict leadership, many jobs were cut, contracts were terminated, and there were difficulties with delivering required services to the government. Centralizing federal data became a major issue when it was allegedly connected to use in immigration actions. Musk was influential in choosing the heads of NASA and the U.S. Air Force, which hold many contracts with his space and aviation companies.
Conclusion: A Divisive Figure in a High-Stakes Role
The controversy surrounding Musk’s alleged drug use raises questions not only about his personal behavior but also about the vetting process and oversight of individuals holding powerful government roles. While his defenders point to his extraordinary achievements and vision, critics argue that his conduct, especially under the influence, may have undermined public trust in critical government functions.
As investigations continue and political stakes rise ahead of the next election cycle, Elon Musk’s conduct during his time at DOGE is likely to remain a contentious topic, casting a long shadow over both his public service and his growing influence in U.S. politics.