Elon Musk shares negative drug test results amidst drug use allegations

In the United States, on June 17, 2025, Elon Musk shared the results of a recent drug test on social media in response to allegations regarding his drug use during the 2024 presidential campaign for Donald Trump. The accusations stemmed from a New York Times report which claimed that Musk was using a range of illicit substances, including ketamine, ecstasy, and psychedelic mushrooms. The coverage included testimonies from individuals close to Musk, asserting that his drug consumption was more intense than previously known and had negative effects on his health. Musk publicly challenged the claims, insisting he had not used ketamine in years and labeling the New York Times article as false. Upon posting his urine drug test results, Musk demonstrated that he had tested negative for numerous substances, including cocaine, ketamine, and ecstasy, in an attempt to disprove the allegations. The drug test was conducted by Fastest Labs in Austin, Texas, with results indicating no presence of narcotics. Musk’s testing methods were deemed insufficient by critics, as a urine test can only detect drug use within a short time frame, contrasting with a hair test that can identify substances over a longer period. The New York Times stood behind their report, suggesting that Musk's negative test results did not invalidate their findings. The ongoing clash between Musk and the media reflects a broader pattern of disputes involving prominent figures and news organizations, especially regarding accountability and representation in reporting. Musk's pushback is indicative of his contentious relationship with the media, often fueled by skepticism towards traditional journalism. As Musk intensified his responses on social media, he not only ridiculed the claims against him but also urged journalists from the Times and other outlets to undergo drug testing themselves, further escalating the public feud. In the backdrop of Musk's controversies is his significant role in supporting Donald Trump during the election campaign, where media scrutiny intensified on allegations of substance abuse. The increasing focus on Musk's personal life has raised discussions about the ethical responsibilities of media, the veracity of claims surrounding public figures, and the societal implications of alleged drug use tied to leadership and innovation. Overall, the dispute with the New York Times highlights the tension between media reporting and personal reputation, prompting critical examination of both Musk’s public statements and the press's role in investigating influential personalities.