Elon Musk’s Final Days in Office: Controversy and Uncertainty
During his concluding hours working under President Donald Trump, Elon Musk’s actions were marked by evasiveness, especially when questioned about his alleged drug use. A recent investigation by The New York Times published on Friday revealed details that were far more extensive than previously reported.
Confrontation and Deflection in the Oval Office
While standing alongside Trump in the Oval Office to mark his last day in government service, Musk abruptly interrupted a journalist who attempted to mention the Times’ allegations. These reports claimed Musk regularly used substances such as ketamine, ecstasy, and psychedelic mushrooms during trips with Trump on the campaign trail last year. When asked about these claims, Musk responded sharply, saying, “Is that the same New York Times that received a Pulitzer for false reporting on Russiagate?” His remark alluded to the conservative criticism of the newspaper’s coverage of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election, dismissing the allegations with a dismissive gesture.
Deepening Ties to the White House
Over the past year, Musk’s presence at the White House has been increasingly prominent. He has participated in cabinet meetings, frequently appeared with Trump in the Oval Office, and served as the public representative for the Department of Government Effectiveness-a network of engineers dedicated to rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse within federal agencies. Although his role was officially unpaid and temporary, his influence expanded significantly, often bypassing traditional bureaucratic procedures.
Concerns Over Personal Conduct and Substance Use
As Musk’s visibility grew, so did concerns about his behind-the-scenes behavior. The Times detailed reports of increasingly erratic conduct linked to drug use that went beyond the previously disclosed ketamine prescriptions. Sources close to Musk revealed that he claimed to friends he was taking large doses of ketamine, which can cause bladder issues-a known side effect of chronic abuse. Additionally, he was reported to carry a daily medication box containing approximately 20 pills, including stimulants like Adderall.
Uncertainty Surrounding His State of Mind
It remains unclear whether Musk was under the influence while performing his government duties. Critics point to his unpredictable behavior, such as making Nazi-like gestures at rallies, giving incoherent responses during interviews, and frequently insulting senior Trump officials. The White House has not publicly addressed these allegations. Meanwhile, Trump’s deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller, dismissed concerns, stating, “The medications I’m taking are the ones coming across the border from drug cartels that are killing hundreds of Americans.”
Past Admissions and Ongoing Commitments
Musk has previously acknowledged his recreational drug use. In a 2024 interview with Don Lemon, he admitted to taking small doses of prescribed ketamine biweekly to manage mood swings, though he emphasized that his demanding workload limited his use. “If you take too much ketamine, you can’t get your work done, and I have a lot of work,” he explained.
Future Role and Continuing Influence
Despite stepping down from his official government role, Musk announced on Friday his intention to continue advising Trump and the U.S. Department of Government Effectiveness. He plans to focus more on his business ventures, including Tesla and SpaceX. During his tenure, Musk oversaw significant reductions in federal staffing as part of the Trump administration’s effort to cut federal spending. Initially aiming to trim $2 trillion from the roughly $6.8 trillion federal budget, Musk’s team later claimed to have saved approximately $175 billion-though media outlets have questioned the accuracy of these figures, and independent verification remains pending.
Ongoing Advisory Role and Personal Commitment
“I hope to continue providing advice whenever the President seeks it,” Musk stated on Friday. Trump responded positively, saying, “I hope so.” Musk added, “I want to remain a friend and advisor, and if there’s anything the President needs me to do, I am at his service.”
