Elon Musk on Tuesday (June 17) shared a picture of what seems to be a destructive drug take a look at for a variety of gear together with ketamine, cocaine, amphetamines, and hashish. The take a look at, dated June 11, was posted with a single-word caption: “lol”—a mocking response to allegations made in a New York Instances report.
The picture listed the take a look at as being performed through urine pattern and famous the rationale as “different.” The outcomes confirmed destructive readings for over 20 substances, reminiscent of benzodiazepines, ecstasy, opioids, PCP, and ethanol.
Musk: “I’m NOT taking medicine!”
Responding to the Instances article, Musk wrote in a follow-up submit: “To be clear, I’m NOT taking medicine! The New York Instances was mendacity their a– off.”
He acknowledged previous use of ketamine, including: “I attempted ‘prescription’ ketamine a number of years in the past and stated so on X, so this isn’t even information. It helps for getting out of darkish psychological holes, however haven’t taken it since then.”
Background: NYT report sparks firestorm
The New York Instances article revealed on Friday (Could 30) cited unnamed sources alleging that Musk used a “cocktail” of gear—together with ketamine, mushrooms, and ecstasy—whereas advising Donald Trump and working the Division of Authorities Effectivity (DOGE). The report additionally stated Musk skilled bladder points on account of heavy ketamine use and traveled with a tablet field in 2024.
Oval Workplace farewell and a black eye
Including to the spectacle, Musk appeared alongside Trump at a farewell occasion within the Oval Workplace on Friday, formally ending his function as head of DOGE—a submit from which he slashed hundreds of federal jobs. Observers famous Musk had a visual black eye.
Musk later stated the damage got here from a playful second along with his son: “I informed X [his son] to punch me within the face. And he did. Seems even a five-year-old punching you within the face really is…” he stated earlier than trailing off.
Trump reacts: “Elon is a incredible man”
When requested Friday if he was conscious of Musk’s alleged drug use, former President Trump stated: “I wasn’t.”
Nonetheless, Trump stood by Musk, including: “I believe Elon is a incredible man.”
Ongoing scrutiny
The state of affairs continues to unfold as public consideration grows round Musk’s conduct and affect in politics. For now, Musk seems to be pushing again with take a look at outcomes and sarcasm.
