President Donald Trump was called out for his hypocrisy after he told a reporter he's "not troubled" by reports about his billionaire ally Elon Musk's alleged drug use.
The New York Times reported Friday that Musk regularly used a mix of substances—including ketamine, MDMA, psychedelic mushrooms, Ambien, Adderall, and other drugs—while accompanying Trump on the campaign trail. The report is based on private messages reviewed by the paper and interviews with more than a dozen individuals familiar with Musk’s behavior.
According to the report, Musk’s substance use escalated around the time he became more involved in Trump’s campaign last year. Sources told the Times that he often traveled with a container holding approximately 20 different medications.
It remains unclear whether Musk altered his drug use after taking the helm of the advisory Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), citing a push to reduce government waste. Musk officially stepped down from the role last week.
Musk has already pushed back against the report, attempting to discredit the Times as "the same publication that got a Pulitzer Prize for false reporting on the Russiagate."
And Trump gave a rather disinterested response to a reporter when asked about these reports at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, remarking:
"I’m not troubled by anything with Elon. I think he’s fantastic. Did a great job."
"And, you know, DOGE continues. And by the time he’s finished, we’ll have numbers that’ll knock your socks off."
You can hear what Trump said in the video below.
Trump was swiftly called out for his remarks, which are quite rich considering how much the GOP harped on Hunter Biden's drug use.
The Wall Street Journal previously reported that Musk's rumored drug use has prompted his lawyers to advise he not attain a higher security clearance at SpaceX.
Musk's legal team explained that pursuing a higher security clearance could require him to answer government questions about his interactions with foreign nationals and prior drug use.
According to insiders, lawyers and executives considered scenarios where Musk might unintentionally reveal sensitive information to foreign officials he regularly communicates with. The Journal reported last October that Musk has maintained consistent contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin since late 2022.
Concerns about Musk’s eligibility for a higher clearance arose after the Journal reported in June 2023 about his use of ketamine, according to a person familiar with the matter. SpaceX’s legal team ultimately decided that applying for a higher clearance posed significant risks, including the possibility of Musk being denied or losing his existing top-secret status.
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