As Elon Musk continues to maintain a powerful presence in both the tech world and U.S. politics, new revelations about his alleged drug use are prompting serious questions about oversight, national security, and corporate accountability.
According to an in-depth report from The New York Times, Musk’s use of drugs—including ketamine, ecstasy, Adderall, and psychedelic mushrooms—has gone far beyond casual experimentation. The article, which cites numerous sources familiar with Musk’s activities, suggests that his drug consumption has been consistent and, in some cases, extreme. One example includes Musk reportedly telling people that his ketamine use was so frequent it began affecting his bladder—a known medical side effect of chronic usage.
The story takes on added weight given Musk’s proximity to the U.S. government. In recent months, Musk has become a semi-regular figure at the White House. Most recently, he appeared at the Oval Office for what appeared to be a sendoff event—sporting a noticeable black eye—just hours after the Times story broke.
NBC News, while unable to independently verify the Times reporting, confirmed that the White House refused to answer questions about whether Musk had ever undergone drug testing before assuming any government-related responsibilities.
One of the more striking claims in the report is that Musk reportedly traveled with a medication case containing about 20 pills, some of which bore markings consistent with Adderall, a prescription stimulant used to treat ADHD. The Times also suggests Musk had received advance notice of drug tests administered by SpaceX—his private aerospace company and a major government contractor required to maintain a drug-free workforce. SpaceX declined to comment on that allegation.
NBC anchor Nicolle Wallace highlighted these concerns on air, noting that Musk’s personal choices carry public consequences due to his significant influence. “These companies are the Elon Musk show,” Wallace said. “You cannot assess his ability to lead them—or advise the U.S. government—without understanding the scope of his behavior.”
Teddy Schleifer, a journalist who has covered Musk extensively and joined Wallace on MSNBC, echoed the concern. “There’s a Messiah complex here,” Schleifer said, pointing to Musk’s self-proclaimed mission to save Western civilization from immigration, debt, and artificial intelligence risks. He also noted Musk’s belief that his lineage should continue—evidenced by his large number of children with multiple women—as part of his broader vision for the future.
And while Musk’s chaotic personal life and drug use have drawn scrutiny, his grip on corporate and political power remains intact. The same day the Times article was published, reports surfaced that new Trump budget proposals would slash NASA’s funding—while potentially positioning SpaceX as one of the biggest beneficiaries.
Schleifer emphasized that the overlap between Musk’s government roles and business interests presents real conflicts of interest. “This isn’t just a personal story,” he said. “It’s a public concern. Musk’s behavior affects shareholders, taxpayers, and the direction of U.S. science and policy.”
For now, Musk has chosen to deflect the allegations, dismissing the New York Times as a discredited source. But with so much of his power—and public funding—tied to his personal leadership, the pressure for transparency may only grow louder.
