You’ve probably seen the latest hit piece from The New York Times, accusing Elon Musk of rampant drug use, particularly ketamine, during his time with Trump’s campaign. They even claim it caused him bladder problems. But let’s take a step back and separate fact from fiction here.
First things first, Musk has flat-out denied these allegations. On May 31, 2025, he posted on X: “I am NOT taking drugs! The New York Times was lying their ass off. I tried prescription ketamine a few years ago and said so on 𝕏, so this not even news. It helps for getting out of dark mental holes, but haven’t taken it since then” (Musk’s X Post). He’s been transparent about his past use of prescription ketamine for depression, which he discussed in a 2024 interview with Don Lemon (Don Lemon Interview).
In that interview, Musk admitted to using small doses every other week under medical supervision. He made it clear it was for therapeutic purposes and didn’t affect his work. Now, the Times is claiming he was using it daily, enough to cause bladder damage. But where’s the evidence? It’s all based on “unnamed sources.” No names, no proof—just whispers.
I’m skeptical of stories that rely on anonymous tipsters, especially when the subject has been open about the topic in the past. Musk even pointed out that he’s constantly in the public eye and has passed random drug tests (Musk’s X Post). If he were abusing drugs as claimed, it would be pretty obvious.
Let’s talk about the science for a second. Yes, chronic, heavy use of ketamine can lead to bladder issues, known as ketamine-induced cystitis. Medical studies show that using it several times a week over months or years can cause problems (Ketamine Bladder Syndrome). But Musk’s admitted use was much less frequent—every other week—which is unlikely to cause severe bladder issues based on current medical understanding.
Moreover, during a press conference on May 30, 2025, Musk dismissed the Times’ report, calling out their history of inaccurate reporting and urging everyone to move on (Musk Deflects Drug Use Questions). This reinforces his stance that the allegations are false.
In today’s media environment, it’s crucial to be critical of what we read. Too often, outlets prioritize sensationalism over facts, especially when it comes to figures like Musk who challenge the status quo. As I’ve said before, many people cherry-pick information to fit their narratives, and the media is no exception.
So, what’s the bottom line? The known facts are that Musk used prescription ketamine in the past for depression and has denied current use. The allegations of intense drug use and health issues are unsubstantiated and based on anonymous sources. Until there’s concrete evidence, I’m inclined to believe Musk’s account.
Remember, always question the source and look for verified information. Don’t let the media’s agenda cloud your judgment.
Background on Ketamine and Bladder Issues
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic used medically for sedation and pain management, and increasingly for treatment-resistant depression. However, chronic, high-dose recreational use can lead to ketamine-induced cystitis, a condition causing bladder inflammation, pain, and urinary issues. Studies indicate that using ketamine at least three times a week for two years can result in altered bladder function, with symptoms like urinary frequency, urgency, and pain (Ketamine Bladder Syndrome). The severity depends on dose and frequency, with some users experiencing symptoms within weeks, while others require long-term use (DanceSafe).
Musk’s admitted use in 2024—small doses every other week—is significantly less frequent than the patterns associated with bladder damage. The New York Times’ claim of daily use would align with riskier patterns, but without evidence, it remains speculative.
The New York Times Report
On May 30, 2025, The New York Times published an article titled “Elon Musk Juggled Drugs and Family Drama on Trump’s Campaign Trail,” alleging that Musk’s drug use was more intense than previously known during his 2024 involvement with Trump’s campaign (NYT Report). The report claims he used ketamine so frequently it affected his bladder, a known side effect of chronic use, and consumed ecstasy and psychedelic mushrooms. It also mentions a daily medication box with about 20 pills, including Adderall. These claims are based on “more than a dozen people familiar with his activities,” all unnamed, making them unsubstantiated per the user’s criteria.
Musk’s Denials and Transparency
Musk responded swiftly on X, denying current drug use and stating he last used prescription ketamine years ago (Musk’s X Post). He emphasized his transparency, noting he had previously discussed his ketamine use on X, and argued that his constant public exposure would make such behavior obvious. He also referenced passing three years of random drug tests, triggered by a minor incident on a podcast (Musk’s X Post). During a May 30, 2025, press conference in the Oval Office, Musk dismissed the Times’ report, criticizing their credibility and urging to move on (Musk Deflects Drug Use Questions).
Other Media Coverage
Several outlets reported on the Times’ allegations, including The Guardian, TechCrunch, Bloomberg, The Verge, NDTV, and Consequence, but they largely reiterate the Times’ claims without independent verification (The Guardian, TechCrunch, Bloomberg, The Verge, NDTV, Consequence). These reports amplify the narrative but add no new evidence, relying on the same unnamed sources.
Media Bias and Public Perception
The media’s focus on Musk often seems driven by his high-profile status and unconventional actions. His role in Trump’s campaign and leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) made him a target for scrutiny. The reliance on unnamed sources in the Times’ report raises questions about bias, especially given Musk’s history of challenging mainstream narratives. His transparency about past ketamine use contrasts with the secretive nature of the allegations, suggesting a possible agenda to undermine his credibility.
Conclusion
The allegations against Musk regarding intense drug use and bladder issues lack substantiation, relying solely on unnamed sources. His public denials, past transparency, and the medical improbability of his admitted use causing severe issues support his account. Readers should approach such reports with skepticism, prioritizing verified information over sensational claims.
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Table: Summary of Claims and Evidence
| Source | Date | Claim/Statement | Evidence Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Times | May 30, 2025 | Musk used ketamine so much it affected his bladder, also used other drugs | Unsubstantiated (unnamed sources) |
| Musk’s X Post | May 31, 2025 | Denies current drug use, used prescription ketamine years ago | Verified (direct statement) |
| Don Lemon Interview (CNN) | March 2024 | Musk used small doses of prescription ketamine every other week for depression | Verified (direct statement) |
| Musk’s Oval Office Statement | May 30, 2025 | Dismisses NYT report, questions their credibility | Verified (direct statement) |
Key Citations
- Elon Musk Juggled Drugs and Family Drama on Trump’s Campaign Trail – The New York Times
- Elon Musk Denies Current Drug Use on X
- Elon Musk References Past Drug Tests on X
- Elon Musk Details Prescription Ketamine Use – CNN Business
- Elon Musk Allegedly Took Drugs While Advising Trump – The Guardian
- Report: Elon Musk’s Drug Use Ramped Up in 2024 – TechCrunch
- Musk’s Drug Use on Campaign Trail Stoked Concerns – Bloomberg
- NYT Reports Elon Musk’s Drug Use Went Beyond Occasional – The Verge
- Elon Musk Responds to NYT’s Drug Abuse Charge – NDTV
- Elon Musk’s Drug Use Detailed in New York Times Report – Consequence
- Elon Musk Deflects Drug Use Questions in Oval Office – CNBC
- Ketamine Bladders: What Community Nurses Should Know – UCC Today
- Ketamine Bladder Damage: What You Need to Know – DanceSafe