Elon Musk is making headlines again — but this time, it’s not about electric cars or rockets. It’s about damage control.
In the early hours of Tuesday morning, the billionaire tech CEO posted what he claimed was a clean drug test to X, formerly known as Twitter. His apparent goal? To silence growing rumors and media attacks accusing him of being under the influence during critical political moments — including his recent public meltdown aimed at President Donald Trump.
The test results showed negative for nearly two dozen substances — from cocaine and ecstasy to ketamine and LSD. Musk posted the image along with a dismissive “LOL,” trying to brush off weeks of negative headlines.
Legacy Media Escalates Attacks
Musk has been the subject of renewed media hostility, especially following a New York Times article that claimed he was heavily using drugs during the 2024 election cycle. The hit piece alleged Musk consumed psychedelic mushrooms, ketamine, and possibly Adderall, while also noting he allegedly traveled with a case of pills and suffered bladder issues.
While Musk has admitted to previously using a small amount of ketamine — a potent medication often prescribed for depression — he insists he no longer uses it. Notably, ketamine was also the drug involved in actor Matthew Perry’s fatal overdose, raising alarms about its dangers.
Musk’s Meltdown and Reversal
What really set off alarm bells for many conservatives was Musk’s sudden outburst against President Trump. In a string of unhinged X posts, Musk accused Trump’s team of hiding links to Jeffrey Epstein and even went so far as to call for Trump’s impeachment.
This bizarre rant came just days after Trump had reportedly welcomed Musk warmly in the Oval Office, signaling a productive relationship.
Soon after, Musk deleted his posts and issued a public statement saying he “regretted” his words.
Trump Responds with Caution
According to The Washington Post, Trump privately referred to Musk as a “big-time drug addict.” Publicly, however, the president took a more diplomatic approach, telling reporters, “I really don’t know. I don’t think so. I hope not,” when asked if Musk had brought drugs into the White House.
A PR Stunt or a Sincere Apology?
Many are now questioning whether Musk’s published drug test was a genuine attempt to clear his name — or a calculated PR move to win back the favor of the Trump team. The test was dated one week before publication and noted “normal creatinine levels,” confirming it was based on a urine sample — the most common drug screening method.
Still, critics argue that urine tests often only detect recent use, typically between 1 to 7 days, depending on the substance.
Erratic Behavior Sparks New Questions
Even Musk’s own biographer, Walter Isaacson, has described the tech mogul as having a “demon mode,” marked by explosive mood swings. Musk has admitted his mind can feel like a “storm,” adding to concerns about his judgment, especially when engaging in high-stakes politics.
Musk also recently criticized Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” calling it an “abomination” over concerns about its impact on the federal deficit — further straining ties.
With the 2028 race already heating up, some wonder whether Musk is trying to reposition himself inside the MAGA tent. Whether President Trump will welcome him back is still unclear — but one thing is certain: the battle for influence in conservative circles is just getting started.
