Elon Musk avoided a question about a Friday report alleging he has a drug problem during his press conference in the Oval Office with President Donald Trump.
Ahead of the Friday press conference, the New York Times published a report saying Musk went “well beyond” occasional drug use in an article titled, “On the Campaign Trail, Elon Musk Juggled Drugs and Family Drama.”
Fox News reporter Peter Doocy began to ask Musk a question about the report before the self-proclaimed “Dogefather” cut him off to criticize the outlet.
“Is that the same publication that got a Pulitzer prize for false reporting on Russiagate? I think it is!” Musk said, looking at Trump, who agreed. “I think a judge just ruled against the New York Times for their lies about the Russiagate hoax, and they might have to give back that Pulitzer Prize,” he added.
The New York Times and the Washington Post received Pulitzer Prizes for their coverage of alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election and Russian ties to Trump’s campaign. Trump asked the prize board to rescind the award, but it rejected his appeal in 2022.
“That New York Times?” Musk concluded, “Let’s move on.”
MUST WATCH: @elonmusk COOKS the Fake News New York Times in the Oval Office:
pic.twitter.com/b3Q15uXPsd
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 30, 2025
The report suggests Musk’s use of ketamine, which is prescribed to him, is troubling. The article also says Musk has taken psychedelic mushrooms and Ecstasy at private gatherings.
“Mr. Musk had been using ketamine often, sometimes daily, and mixing it with other drugs, according to people familiar with his consumption. The line between medical use and recreation was blurry, troubling some people close to him,” the article reads.
Musk said in March 2024 that he takes only “a small amount” of ketamine.
“If you’ve used too much ketamine, you can’t really get work done, and I have a lot of work,” he said.
Musk also sported a black eye on the right side of his face during the Oval Office appearance, which he said was caused by his son, X Æ A-12.
“I was walking around with Little X and I said, ‘Go ahead and punch me in the face,’ and he did,” Musk said. “I didn’t really feel much at the time, but I guess it bruises up.”
He also joked that he wasn’t “anywhere near France,” in apparent reference to French President Emmanuel Macron’s viral incident with his wife, in which she appeared to push his face.
The press conference marked the end of Musk’s tenure in the Trump administration, with the president offering him a gold key to the White House.
Musk posted on X Wednesday that he was leaving the Trump administration: “As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President @realDonaldTrump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending.”
“The @DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government,” he added.
Trump said in the press conference that Musk is “going to be back and forth, I imagine,” suggesting he will keep some involvement in the administration.
ELON MUSK’S NEW GOVERNMENT ROLE COULD RAISE ETHICAL CONUNDRUMS
Musk said he hopes to continue to be a “friend and adviser” to Trump.
“I hope to continue to provide advice whenever the president would like,” Musk said. “I hope so,” Trump replied.
