• Elon Musk denies claims of extensive drug use during the 2024 campaign trail.
• The New York Times reported Musk was allegedly using ketamine, ecstasy, and mushrooms.
• Musk claims he tried prescription ketamine in the past but is not currently using drugs.
• President Trump expressed his support for Musk amid the controversy.
• The NYT defended their report, citing multiple sources for their claims.

Elon Musk has publicly denied allegations from The New York Times that he used drugs, including ketamine and ecstasy, while working on President Donald Trump's campaign trail for the 2024 election. The report suggested Musk's drug use, which allegedly led to bladder problems, was extensive and included regular travel with a box of medications, which might have included up to 20 different pills, according to sources cited by the Times. Musk firmly stated, "To be clear, I am NOT taking drugs! The New York Times was lying their a** off," emphasizing that he had only used prescription ketamine in the past to manage mental health issues, not as a frequent recreational drug user, according to HuffPost, SCMP, India Times, Dawn, India Times, and The Hill.

The allegations heightened scrutiny of Musk's behavior, particularly as the Times cited past incidents of erratic actions, including a Nazi-style salute. At a farewell event with Trump in the Oval Office, Musk sported a noticeable black eye, which he attributed to play with his young son, noting that it came immediately after the report of his alleged drug use surfaced. President Trump commented on Musk's situation, expressing, “I think Elon is a fantastic guy,” and stated he was unaware of any drug use, according to HuffPost, SCMP, and The Hill.

The New York Times defended its reporting, asserting it was based on interviews with over a dozen individuals familiar with Musk and included text message evidence, rebutting Musk's claims of falsehood. The communications team for the Times remarked on X that the reporting provided "an important and fair look into Musk's drug use and family conflicts," and criticized Musk’s dismissal of their thorough investigation as merely a distraction, according to HuffPost and The Hill.