Musk 'intensely' used drugs during Trump's campaign

The billionaire's reported ketamine use was so great that it caused bladder issues, according to bombshell NYT report

- ALEX WOODWARD

While he spent tens of millions of dollars boosting Donald Trump's presidential campaign - working his way to a prominent inner-circle role - Elon Musk was reportedly using drugs "intensely" and regularly, including "chronically" using the powerful anaesthetic ketamine to the point where it affected his bladder.

The world's wealthiest man - who is leaving the White House this week after deploying an army of loyalists across the federal government to fire workers and slash budgets - was allegedly using ecstasy, psychedelic mushrooms and Adderall, which he kept in a daily medication box that held about 20 pills, sources told The New York Times.

The sources were not able to say if Mr Musk was allegedly using drugs when he entered the White House as a senior adviser to the president weeks later, while leading the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, or Doge.

But the newspaper's reporting notes his "erratic behaviour" in the days leading up to and after Mr Trump entered office, including gestures on inauguration day that mirrored Nazi salutes, his repeated clashes with top administration officials and cabinet members, and his "increasingly tumultuous" family life, including custody battles and the revelation of his 14th child.

The billionaire experienced frequent "mood swings" and a "fixation on having more children", according to the NYT, citing interviews, private messages obtained by the newspaper, and photographs allegedly showing Mr Musk's drug stash.

The Independent has requested comment from an attorney for Mr Musk.

During an appearance alongside the president inside the Oval Office yesterday, Mr Musk spoke over a question about the NYT report before the reporter could outline the allegations in it.