Elon Musk denies ketamine use following New York Times report
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Elon Musk attending a May 30 press conference with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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WASHINGTON – Mr Elon Musk on May 31 denied a report that he used ketamine and other drugs extensively in 2024 on the 2024 campaign trail.
The New York Times reported on May 30 that the billionaire adviser to US President Donald Trump used so much ketamine, a powerful anaesthetic, that he developed bladder problems.
The newspaper said the world’s richest person also took ecstasy and mushrooms and travelled with a pill box in 2024, adding that it was not known whether Mr Musk also took drugs while heading the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) after Mr Trump took power in January.
In a post on May 30 on X, Mr Musk said: “To be clear, I am NOT taking drugs! The New York Times was lying their ass off.”
He added: “I tried ‘prescription’ ketamine a few years ago and said so on X, so this not even news. It helps for getting out of dark mental holes, but haven’t taken it since then.”
Mr Musk first dodged a question about his drug use at a bizarre farewell appearance on May 30 with Mr Trump
News of the injury drew substantial attention as it came right after the Times report on his alleged drug use.
The daily recalled erratic behaviour, such as Mr Musk giving an enthusiastic Nazi-style salute in 2024.
Mr Musk said he got the injury while horsing around
“And he did. Turns out even a five-year-old punching you in the face actually is...” he added, before tailing off.
Later on May 30, when a reporter asked Mr Trump if he was aware of Mr Musk’s “regular drug use,” Trump responded: “I wasn’t.”
“I think Elon is a fantastic guy,” he added.
Mr Musk has previously admitted to taking ketamine, saying he was prescribed it to treat a “negative frame of mind” and suggesting his use of drugs benefited his work. AFP
