Elon Musk’s abrupt departure from the Department of Government Efficiency amid drug use allegations has ignited concerns over the stability of Tesla and SpaceX, with executives worried about the implications of his behaviour for €900 billion in assets and thousands of jobs.
Elon Musk’s recent departure from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has triggered widespread commentary, particularly following a press conference rife with controversies surrounding his alleged drug use. The billionaire’s behaviour during his farewell appearance in the Oval Office, which took place shortly after an explosive report by the New York Times, raised eyebrows and provoked accusations of odd and erratic conduct. Viewers noted his unusual demeanour, including rolling his eyes and swaying, prompting speculation about possible drug use prior to the event.
Musk’s tenure at DOGE was marked by unorthodox policy initiatives and a fair share of turbulence. After just five months in office, his role was cut short, which he attributed to the burgeoning discontent within Trump’s inner circle. Trump lauded Musk as a key contributor to budget cuts aimed at rationalising federal spending but the departure came amidst negative press and speculation regarding Musk’s mental state, allegedly compounded by a cocktail of substances reportedly consumed during his campaign engagements.
The New York Times detailed claims that Musk was not only using ketamine—a substance he has publicly acknowledged taking for depression—but also combining it with a range of other drugs, including ecstasy and psychedelic mushrooms. Such usage allegedly blurred the lines between medicinal and recreational, with insiders asserting that it was affecting his bladder function and raising concerns among colleagues. Musk, 53, countered these allegations, pointing out a clean drug test record over three years, insisting that he maintains a drug-free policy across his ventures.
Despite his denials, the questions regarding Musk’s drug use are serious, particularly given the potential ramifications on his companies, Tesla and SpaceX. Executives within these firms reportedly worry that Musk’s personal choices might jeopardise the company’s reputation and financial stability. A Wall Street Journal report suggested that Musk’s behaviours could endanger around €900 billion in assets and the jobs of approximately 13,000 employees. His lawyer has vehemently defended him, asserting that Musk has never failed a drug test and rebuking the reports as rife with “false facts.”
The broader implications of Musk’s alleged drug use extend into regulatory and legal realms, with concerns about directors and officers’ insurance potentially exposing the board to shareholder claims. As a high-profile CEO, Musk’s actions not only reflect on his personal integrity but also the operational health of the entire organisation. Such scrutiny of leadership behaviours underscores the delicate balance CEOs must maintain in both public and private spectrums.
Musk’s tumultuous tenure also featured personal distractions, notably his public disputes with his ex-partner Grimes over their child and allegations of fathering an undisclosed child with a social media influencer. These issues added layers of complexity to his oversight of DOGE, suggesting a turbulent personal life may have influenced his professional judgement.
In a somewhat surreal twist, Musk claimed he received a black eye from playful roughhousing with his five-year-old son, a detail that transformed a potentially damaging image into a moment of levity during a fraught political interaction. Despite the light-hearted explanation, the recurring references to his fathering life did little to quiet criticisms of his capabilities as a leader amid mounting pressures.
While Musk hints at transitioning back to focus on his business ventures such as SpaceX and Tesla, he will reportedly continue to function as an advisor to Trump, indicating that the relationship remains pivotal, albeit tinged with controversy. Musk branded his time at DOGE as an embodiment of his philosophical approach to governance, likening it to a form of “Buddhism” aimed at fostering lasting reforms, while vowing to stay engaged in political discussions.
Musk’s departure raises significant questions about the future of his companies and the broader implications of his volatile behaviour on relationships with stakeholders. As public figures and corporations alike scrutinise his actions closely, the call for accountability grows louder, with challenges ahead not only for Musk but for the high-stakes environment in which he operates.
Reference Map:
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14767327/Viewers-comment-Elon-Musk-distracted-White-House-drugs.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-tesla-ceo-denies-drug-use-allegations-2024-1 – In January 2024, Elon Musk responded to a Wall Street Journal report alleging his drug use by stating that three years of random testing found no traces of drugs or alcohol in his system. Musk dismissed the report as ‘not fit to line a parrot cage for bird ’ and emphasized his commitment to maintaining a drug-free environment at his companies. The report had raised concerns among executives about Musk’s alleged use of substances like cocaine, LSD, ecstasy, and ketamine, which could potentially impact his leadership and the companies’ operations.
- https://www.euronews.com/business/2024/01/08/elon-musks-alleged-drug-use-puts-13000-jobs-at-risk-report-suggests – A January 2024 report by the Wall Street Journal highlighted concerns among Tesla and SpaceX executives regarding Elon Musk’s alleged drug use, including substances like LSD, cocaine, ecstasy, and ketamine. The report suggested that such behavior could jeopardize approximately €900 billion in assets and 13,000 jobs. Musk’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, refuted the claims, stating that Musk had never failed a drug test and criticized the report for citing ‘false facts’ without specifying them.
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https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/elon-musk-reacts-to-drug-use-claims-as-spacex-management-expresses-concerns-not-even-101704676675931.html – Elon Musk addressed allegations of drug use following a Wall Street Journal report that raised concerns among Tesla and SpaceX executives. Musk stated that ‘not even trace quantities’ of drugs were found in his system over three years of random drug testing. He criticized the report as ‘not fit to line a parrot cage for bird
’ and emphasized his commitment to maintaining a drug-free environment at his companies.
- https://news.bloomberglaw.com/litigation/musks-alleged-drug-use-sparks-insurance-questions-for-his-board – Elon Musk’s alleged drug use has raised concerns among Tesla and SpaceX board members about potential shareholder claims and insurance coverage. The Wall Street Journal reported that Musk has used substances like LSD, cocaine, ecstasy, and ketamine, which could expose the companies and their boards to potential litigation. Directors and officers’ insurance may not cover claims related to illegal drug use, prompting the board to address these issues proactively.
- https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-01-07/elon-musk-s-drug-use-concerns-tesla-spacex-leaders-wsj-says?srnd=all – A January 2024 report by the Wall Street Journal revealed that Elon Musk’s alleged drug use, including substances like LSD, cocaine, ecstasy, and ketamine, has caused concern among Tesla and SpaceX executives and board members. The report suggests that Musk’s behavior could impact the companies’ operations and reputation, leading to discussions about the need for oversight and potential consequences for the boards.
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/elon-musks-drug-use-all-you-need-to-know-it/amp_articleshow/106643436.cms – A report by the Wall Street Journal detailed Elon Musk’s alleged drug use, including LSD, cocaine, ecstasy, and ketamine, often at private parties. The report also mentioned concerns among Tesla and SpaceX executives about the potential impact of Musk’s behavior on the companies. Musk’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, refuted the claims, stating that Musk had never failed a drug test and criticized the report for citing ‘false facts’ without specifying them.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative is current, with the latest developments reported on May 30, 2025. However, similar reports on Musk’s alleged drug use date back to January 2024, indicating that the core information has been previously covered. The recent updates provide additional context but do not introduce entirely new information. The presence of a press release suggests a higher freshness score, as press releases are typically recent and original. Nonetheless, the recycled nature of the content from earlier reports warrants attention. Discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes between the new and previous reports have not been identified. The inclusion of updated data alongside older material may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
The direct quotes attributed to Musk and others have been previously reported in earlier articles, indicating potential reuse of content. Variations in wording between the new and earlier reports have not been identified. No online matches for the quotes were found, suggesting that the content may be original or exclusive. However, the lack of supporting evidence raises questions about the authenticity of the quotes.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from a reputable organisation, the Daily Mail, which adds credibility. However, the presence of a press release suggests that the content may be recycled, potentially affecting the originality of the information. The report includes references to other reputable sources, such as the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, which supports the reliability of the information. Nonetheless, the reliance on a single source and the lack of direct verification of the quotes raise concerns about the overall reliability.
Plausability check
Score:
7
Notes:
The claims regarding Musk’s alleged drug use are consistent with previous reports from reputable sources, suggesting a degree of plausibility. However, the lack of direct evidence and the reliance on anonymous sources weaken the overall credibility. The narrative includes specific details, such as the substances allegedly used and the impact on Musk’s behaviour, which adds depth to the report. Nonetheless, the absence of corroborating evidence and the potential for sensationalism warrant caution.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative presents current information on Elon Musk’s alleged drug use and his departure from the Department of Government Efficiency. While the content is recent, it appears to be recycled from earlier reports, with no new substantial information provided. The quotes attributed to Musk and others have been previously reported, raising questions about their originality. The reliance on a single source and the lack of direct verification of the quotes affect the overall reliability. The claims are consistent with previous reports but lack direct evidence, weakening their plausibility. Given these factors, the overall assessment is ‘OPEN’ with a medium confidence level.
