When confronted with inquiries about Elon Musk’s alleged ‘drug use’ while managing DOGE, Donald Trump had an atypical reaction.
The previous week, the billionaire tech entrepreneur declared that his period overseeing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) had concluded.
Since taking on the ‘special government employee’ role in January, Musk’s journey has been tumultuous. His fervent drive to drastically reduce the federal workforce, eliminate departments, and cut funding for programs like foreign aid faced significant opposition from both within the White House and the public.
Although the head of Tesla and SpaceX extended heartfelt gratitude to President Trump for ‘the opportunity’, expressing a desire for DOGE’s mission to continue to ‘strengthen’, The Independent reports that the White House is reportedly ‘happy to have him go’.
There have been allegations that Musk was using drugs like ketamine, ecstasy, psychedelic mushrooms, and Adderall, carrying a ‘pill box’ of medications during his travels, according to a New York Times report.
The article stated that Musk used these substances, both recreationally and medically, as frequently as once a day last year.
The sources were unable to determine if the alleged drug use occurred during his tenure at DOGE or amid the 2024 campaign, and Musk, the world’s wealthiest man, has since criticized the report.
In reaction to these claims, Musk told Fox News: “The New York Times. Is that the same publication that got a Pulitzer Prize for false reporting on the Russiagate? Let’s move on.”
Musk also addressed the controversy on Twitter, stating that he is ‘NOT taking drugs’ and mentioned he had ‘tried *prescription* ketamine a few years ago’ but has not ‘taken it since then’.
When reporters questioned the US president about the scathing report on his ‘First Buddy’ on May 30, Trump responded.
Trump expressed his unawareness of Musk’s purported habits, stating: “No, I wasn’t. I think he’s fantastic. I think Elon is a fantastic guy.”
When probed further about the investigation and whether he was troubled by it, Trump responded: “I’m not troubled by anything with Elon. I think he’s fantastic. Did a great job. And, you know, DOGE continues. And by the time it’s finished, we’ll have numbers that’ll knock your socks off. It’s gonna be uh, he did a fantastic job. And he didn’t need it. He didn’t need to do it.”
These statements arose as Trump suggested that Musk, whose 130 days as a special government employee have ended, may not fade entirely from the public eye.
Trump remarked: “Elon’s really not leaving. He’s going to be back and forth, I think, I have a feeling.”
Discussing DOGE, Trump added: “It’s his baby, and I think he’s going to be doing a lot of things.”