Recently, former President Donald Trump publicly responded to a series of explosive allegations claiming that Elon Musk, the world’s richest person and former informal adviser, used various drugs—including ketamine, ecstasy, and psychedelic mushrooms—while present at the White House. These claims originally surfaced in a detailed New York Times investigation.
During a White House investment roundtable, Trump admitted he wasn’t sure whether Musk ever consumed illicit substances on White House grounds. “I really don’t know. I don’t think so; I hope not,” Trump commented, emphasizing that he wished Musk well and remained open to future conversations.
This marks Trump’s first public mention of the drug use controversy since the split between him and Musk became very public last week. Despite his skepticism, Trump emphasized their previous amicable relationship and said he would welcome a call from Musk. “I would have no problem if Musk called,” he added.
Background: Allegations and Musk’s Response
The New York Times article alleges that Musk indulged in excessive ketamine use while advising the Trump administration, to the point where it reportedly caused bladder issues. Claiming to carry a pillbox containing Adderall, Musk was also reportedly seen using ecstasy and hallucinogenic mushrooms. These claims stem from unidentified sources close to the situation.
In response, Musk conceded that he had used ketamine, but only under a medical prescription meant to treat depression. He vehemently denied the broader allegations of habitual drug use, labeling the New York Times report as “fake news” during his final press briefing in the Oval Office alongside Trump. Musk portrayed the claims as sensationalist and unsubstantiated.
Inside the White House Reaction
At that same last press briefing, Musk abruptly shut down a reporter’s question about the NYT allegations, referring to them as part of a pattern of false reporting. He said, “The New York Times. Is that the same publication that got a Pulitzer Prize for false reporting on Russiagate? Let’s move on,” casting doubt on the article’s credibility.
Stephen Miller, Trump’s deputy chief of staff, publicly dismissed the allegations. He said he was far more concerned about concerns on the southern border than with any supposed drug use by Musk. His exact words: “The drugs I’m concerned about are the drugs that are coming across the border from the criminal cartels that are killing hundreds of thousands of Americans”.
The Musk–Trump Split
Until the recent fallout, Trump and Musk maintained a remarkably close working rapport. Musk had served informally as an adviser to Trump, attending key Cabinet-style meetings. A hallmark of his influence was the establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an executive initiative supposedly responsible for cutting hundreds of billions from the federal budget.
But that alliance unraveled dramatically last week. Musk publicly criticized Trump’s proposed infrastructure spending as a “disgusting abomination,” provoking Trump’s ire. In response, Trump called Musk “crazy” and suggested he suffered from “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” Amid their public feud, Trump even considered canceling federal contracts with Musk’s companies, most notably SpaceX, and hinted at ditching his recently purchased red Tesla.
Current Status: Telefutures and Truce?
Over the weekend, tensions cooled somewhat as aides from both sides recommended a more constructive engagement. Vice President J.D. Vance stated in an interview that he hoped Musk would “come back into the fold” despite his sharp critiques of the president.
Trump has since indicated that he might preserve his Tesla vehicle by storing it at an undisclosed location while continuing to use SpaceX’s Starlink internet service for government operations. The Defense Department reportedly relies heavily on that service.
Regarding whether Trump and Musk might patch things up with a direct conversation, Trump remained noncommittal. “I haven’t really thought about it,” he said, though he speculated that Musk “would want to speak to me.” He also revealed he had “no problem” with hearing from him, stating tersely, “If I were him I’d want to speak to me”.
Musk’s Brief But Influential White House Role
Elon Musk’s influence in the White House was unorthodox and remarkable given his lack of formal position. As head of the so-called DOGE initiative, he oversaw plans to slash as much as $2 trillion from the $6.8 trillion federal budget. For perspective, DOGE claimed $175 billion in savings, though independent media commentators flagged this as likely inflated and unverifiable.
Musk had previously admitted he occasionally used ketamine, describing it as an emotionally stabilizing agent he took roughly every two weeks under a doctor’s supervision to maintain mindset and creativity. He cautioned, however, that excessive use could impair productivity, which he could not afford .
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next?
Despite the public showdown, it seems Trump is keeping the door open for Musk’s return as an informal adviser. Musk himself, at his exit briefing, said he expected to continue advising “whenever the President would like advice,” expressing a desire to remain “at the President’s service”.
As for the drug allegations, they remain unproven and are likely to continue dominating headlines. Musk’s medical usage of ketamine is documented, but whether it extended to routine consumption of other substances in White House environments remains unverified. Trump’s reticence—”I hope not”—reflects both a denial of personal knowledge and a wish to separate from scandal.
In sum, the Trump‑Musk saga offers a dramatic portrait of modern, unconventional White House dynamics. It blends billionaire intervention, policy overhauls, public confrontation, allegations, and media war. At its heart: two larger-than-life figures navigating ego, influence, policy, and now, moral and legal scrutiny.
