You've probably seen the headlines. They’re everywhere. One day he’s launching a rocket, and the next, there’s a massive report about his late-night habits. Honestly, it’s hard to keep up with the chaos surrounding the world’s richest man. But when the elon musk drug use new york times investigation dropped in May 2025, it wasn't just another tabloid rumor. It felt different. It felt heavy.
The New York Times didn't just mention a one-time thing. They described a pattern. They talked about ketamine, ecstasy, and mushrooms. They even mentioned a pill box he supposedly carries around with about 20 different medications.
For some, this is just "Elon being Elon." For others, especially investors and government officials, it’s a massive red flag that won't go away.
The Specifics of the New York Times Investigation
Let’s get into the weeds of what the report actually said. The Times, citing people familiar with his activity, alleged that Musk’s drug use had become far more intense than anyone realized during the 2024 campaign trail. We aren't just talking about a casual weekend. The report suggested he was using ketamine almost daily at points.
Why does that matter? Well, for one, chronic ketamine use is linked to some pretty nasty physical side effects. The report specifically mentioned that Musk told friends he was experiencing bladder issues. That’s a classic symptom of heavy use.
He didn't just stick to one thing, though. According to the investigation, the "menu" included:
- Ketamine: Which he says he has a prescription for to treat "dark mental holes" or depression.
- Ecstasy (MDMA) and Magic Mushrooms: Allegedly used at private parties where guests often have to sign NDAs or hand over their phones.
- Adderall: The report noted a photo of a medication box containing pills with markings consistent with the stimulant.
Musk, predictably, didn't take this sitting down. He hopped on X (formerly Twitter) and claimed the New York Times was "lying their ass off." He even posted a drug test result in June 2025 showing he was clean for amphetamines, cocaine, and ketamine.
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But the Times stood by their story. They basically said, "We hear you, but our reporting holds up." It’s a classic "he said, they said," but with billion-dollar government contracts on the line.
Why This Isn't Just "Personal Business"
You might think, "Who cares what a billionaire does in his spare time?" Usually, that’s fair. But Elon Musk isn't a typical CEO. He runs SpaceX. SpaceX is basically the backbone of the U.S. space program right now. They carry NASA astronauts. They launch spy satellites.
Because of this, Musk holds a high-level security clearance.
Back in 2018, when he smoked weed on Joe Rogan’s podcast, NASA went into a tailspin. They paid SpaceX $5 million just to review their "workplace culture." The federal government still considers marijuana illegal, even if it’s legal in California.
The new allegations of elon musk drug use new york times and the Wall Street Journal have reported create a much bigger headache. If a regular guy with a Top Secret clearance was found to be using ecstasy or mushrooms recreationally, that clearance would be gone in a heartbeat.
There's a real fear among SpaceX lawyers that if Musk tries to get an even higher level of clearance—the kind needed for programs like Starshield—he’d have to disclose everything. And that disclosure could backfire. It’s a delicate dance between being "too big to fail" and being a legitimate security risk.
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The Boardroom Tension
Inside Tesla, the vibe is reportedly just as tense.
The Tesla board has been criticized for years for being too close to Elon. His brother, Kimbal Musk, is on the board. His close friends are on the board.
But the Wall Street Journal and the Times have both reported that some directors are privately worried. They’ve seen the "erratic" behavior. They remember the time he arrived an hour late to a SpaceX meeting and gave a speech that employees described as "unhinged" and "cringeworthy."
Some board members, like former director Linda Johnson Rice, reportedly chose not to stand for re-election because of concerns over his drug use and behavior. They’re in a tough spot. If they push him too hard, he might leave, and Tesla’s stock could crater. If they do nothing, they could be sued for failing their fiduciary duties.
What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of folks think this is a "gotcha" moment by the "woke media." Musk certainly paints it that way.
But it’s more nuanced. Musk has been open about using "prescription" ketamine for depression. He’s argued that it’s better for his brain than standard SSRIs. He’s even suggested that his unconventional brain is why his companies are so successful.
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The conflict isn't necessarily about the fact that he uses substances; it's about the scale and the legality. There is a massive difference between taking a prescribed dose of ketamine under medical supervision and using it recreationally alongside other illegal substances at parties. That’s the line the New York Times says he’s blurred.
What Happens Next?
Honestly, probably not much in the short term.
As long as the rockets keep landing and the cars keep selling, the board and the government have a lot of incentive to look the other way. However, the legal pressure is building.
If you're following this, here are the real-world things to watch:
- NASA Contract Audits: Watch for any new "safety culture" reviews. If NASA starts sniffing around again, it means they're worried about the federal "drug-free workplace" requirements.
- SEC Filings: Keep an eye on Tesla’s 10-K filings. If they start adding more specific language about "key man" risks or executive conduct, it’s a sign the lawyers are getting nervous.
- Security Clearance Status: If Musk is denied access to certain military projects, it will be a major signal that the government's patience has run out.
The bottom line is that Elon Musk operates on a different set of rules than the rest of us. But even for him, the laws of physics—and the laws of the federal government—eventually catch up. Whether this report is the beginning of a downfall or just another "Elon moment" remains to be seen.
To stay informed, you should track the official statements from NASA's Office of Inspector General and monitor Tesla's quarterly governance updates. These are the only places where the "rubber meets the road" regarding his actual employment and legal status.