Musk slams New York Times over drug use claims

US billionaire Elon Musk has strongly denied recent reports by The New York Times alleging that he actively used ketamine and other drugs during President Donald Trump’s 2024 election campaign, which claimed his ketamine use led to bladder problems.

The report also claimed Musk used ecstasy and psilocybin mushrooms throughout 2023 and frequently carried a box of pills, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

It remained unclear whether Musk continued these alleged habits after Trump’s return to the White House in January, when Musk assumed leadership of the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE).

Responding on X, Musk firmly stated, "To be clear, I am NOT taking drugs! The New York Times was lying."

He added that he had used ketamine years ago under medical supervision to treat a serious mental health condition but has not used it since, information he previously shared publicly. 

At a farewell event with Trump in the Oval Office, reporters noticed a bruise under Musk’s eye. Musk said he got the injury while horsing around with his young son, named X, when he told the child to hit him in the face.

"And he did. Turns out even a five-year-old punching you in the face actually is..." he added, before tailing off.  

When a reporter asked Trump if he was aware of Musk's "regular drug use," Trump responded: "I wasn't." "I think Elon is a fantastic guy," he added.

By Naila Huseynova