New reports highlight Elon Musk’s use of controlled substances during his White House tenure, raising questions about disclosure standards—but not overshadowing the $170 billion in waste savings achieved during his term.
At a Glance
- The New York Times reported Musk used ketamine, ecstasy, and mushrooms while advising Trump
- Musk’s agency identified $170 billion in federal cost savings during a 130-day tenure
- President Trump dismissed concerns, saying he’s “not troubled by anything with Elon”
- Musk confirmed he has a legal prescription for ketamine to treat depression
- The reports emerged just as Musk concluded his role in the Department of Government Efficiency
Allegations Coincide with Departure
Elon Musk’s final days in government service have been accompanied by renewed attention to his personal health habits. A New York Times report claims Musk used multiple substances—including ketamine, MDMA, psilocybin mushrooms, and Adderall—while serving as special advisor in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Sources cited in the report allege Musk carried up to 20 pills in a daily dispenser. These disclosures surfaced just as Musk stepped down from his government role, following a four-month stretch during which his office identified $170 billion in potential federal cost reductions.
Watch a report: NYT vs. Musk: Drug claims as DOGE ends.
Musk Responds with Clarity
In a CBS interview, Musk explained that his ketamine use is legally prescribed for depression, adding: “If you use too much ketamine, you can’t really get work done—and I have a lot of work.” He emphasized that the treatment does not interfere with his responsibilities and stated, “I really don’t like doing illegal drugs.”
Musk’s leadership at DOGE resulted in an unusually fast-paced audit of government waste. The $170 billion in savings proposals were verified by agency analysts and are currently under further review. His departure was pre-planned and not publicly connected to the drug use allegations.
President Trump also weighed in, telling Newsweek: “I’m not troubled by anything with Elon,” emphasizing performance over speculation.
Broader Questions on Disclosure and Oversight
The Musk disclosures have reignited broader conversations around transparency and mental health in high-level federal service. Musk’s prescription use aligns with emerging treatments for depression increasingly accepted in clinical settings. Nevertheless, the report raises questions about how such information is evaluated—or not—when individuals are appointed to sensitive government roles.
Watch a response: Trump defends Musk after NYT drug story.
Musk’s Legacy at DOGE
As public discourse continues, Musk’s time at DOGE will be judged both by the scrutiny surrounding his exit and the scale of his achievements. In 130 days, his team delivered cost-saving recommendations that rival the annual budgets of entire agencies. The $1 trillion savings target he originally set may yet be reached by successors continuing his work.
Whatever the long-term political implications, the immediate legacy is clear: Musk’s government tenure, however unconventional, delivered measurable outcomes—and sparked a renewed debate about the balance between personal health, privacy, and public responsibility.
