20 Pills A Day: Inside Elon Musk’s Alleged Drug-Fueled Tenure That Rocked The White House

Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, has played a pivotal role in both space exploration and technological advancement. In recent years, his involvement in political affairs, particularly during the Trump administration, has attracted significant attention. Reports have emerged alleging that Musk’s tenure as an advisor to President Donald Trump was marked by extensive drug use, including ketamine, ecstasy, and psychedelic mushrooms. These revelations have raised questions about the impact of such substances on his health and professional conduct.

Elon Musk’s Role in the Trump Administration

In 2024, Musk assumed a prominent yet unofficial role in the Trump administration, leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). His mission was to reduce federal waste and inefficiency, a task that garnered both praise and criticism. Musk’s aggressive reform efforts were seen as a reflection of the public’s desire for significant change. However, his tenure was also characterized by erratic behavior, including insulting cabinet members and making controversial gestures at political rallies. These actions led to his departure from the government in May 2025, although he initially expressed a willingness to continue advising Trump and DOGE. That goodwill evaporated almost immediately. Within days of leaving, Musk publicly blasted Trump’s signature “Big, Beautiful Bill” as a budget-busting betrayal of DOGE’s mission, and on June 5, 2025 the two former allies erupted into a stunning public feud, trading insults across social media. Musk claimed Trump would have lost the 2024 election without him, asserted the president’s name appears in the unreleased Epstein files, and warned the bill’s tariffs would trigger a recession; Trump, in turn, said he was “very disappointed,” mused that DOGE itself “might have to go back and eat” Musk, and threatened to cut the federal contracts that underpin Musk’s companies. Musk later said he regretted some of the posts, writing that they “went too far,” but the truce barely held: by July 2025 the war of words had reignited, with Trump floating the idea of having his administration “take a look” at deporting the South Africa-born billionaire and again siccing DOGE on his businesses. The episode wiped billions from Tesla’s market value and turned one of Washington’s most powerful partnerships into open hostility.

Allegations of Drug Use

Investigations by The New York Times have alleged that Musk’s involvement in the Trump administration was accompanied by substantial drug use. Sources familiar with his activities reported that Musk regularly consumed ketamine, ecstasy, and psychedelic mushrooms. He was said to carry a daily supply of approximately 20 pills, including Adderall, and admitted to taking ketamine biweekly for mood regulation. These substances are known for their psychoactive effects and potential for abuse.

Health Implications of Ketamine Use

Ketamine, originally developed as an anesthetic, has gained attention for its potential use in treating mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. However, its recreational use and abuse have been associated with several health risks. Short-term effects include hallucinations, sedation, nausea, and disorientation. Long-term use can lead to urinary and bladder problems, abuse and misuse, increased blood pressure, and even psychiatric events.

In Musk’s case, reports suggest that his frequent ketamine use may have led to bladder issues. Ketamine-induced cystitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the bladder, leading to symptoms such as frequent urination, pain during urination, and blood in the urine. Studies indicate that ketamine and its metabolites directly interact with the bladder lining, resulting in increased permeability and damage to the epithelial cells.

Chronic ketamine use can lead to significant long-term effects, particularly concerning cognitive function and psychological well-being. Regular use may result in memory impairments, attention deficits, and mood disturbances such as depression and anxiety. Additionally, prolonged use can cause dissociative symptoms, including feelings of detachment from oneself or the environment, which may persist even after the drug’s effects have worn off. These cognitive and psychological issues are associated with structural changes in the brain, such as reduced gray and white matter volume and altered connectivity between brain regions. Furthermore, chronic ketamine use can lead to physical health problems, including urinary tract and bladder issues, liver and kidney damage, and cardiovascular complications. Given these potential risks, it is crucial to approach ketamine use with caution and under medical supervision.

Public Response and Political Implications

The revelations about Musk’s drug use have sparked public concern and political debate. Representative Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.) proposed legislation requiring Musk and DOGE staff to undergo routine drug testing. The purpose of this bill is to guarantee that those who have access to private data are thoroughly screened and have sound judgment. However, given the current political landscape, the bill’s passage remains uncertain. (axios.com)

Musk’s Defense and Public Statements

Musk has publicly addressed the allegations, defending his ketamine use as beneficial for his mental health and, by extension, his professional performance. In an interview with Don Lemon, Musk acknowledged using ketamine to alleviate depression symptoms and emphasized his ability to continue working as an indicator of controlled use. According to The Associated Press, Musk said “If you use too much ketamine, you can’t really get work done, and I have a lot of work.”

Furthermore, Musk has criticized media reports on his drug use, suggesting that such coverage is sensationalized and detracts from his professional achievements. He has also expressed concerns about the potential for misinformation and the impact of such reports on public perception.

However, Elon Musk has been caught at being a serial liar, and according to Grok AI on his own X/Twitter social media, he is the biggest misinformation spreader on the platform.

Conclusion

The allegations regarding Elon Musk’s drug use during his tenure in the Trump administration have raised significant questions about the intersection of personal behavior and professional responsibilities. While Musk has defended his actions, the health risks associated with substances like ketamine cannot be overlooked. The questions about his judgment have only sharpened since his explosive break with Trump, which saw the president threaten his government contracts and even raise the prospect of deportation, leaving Musk’s political influence and public standing far more precarious than during his brief, turbulent run inside the White House.