Elon Musk is pushing back against claims of drug use made by major news outlets. On Wednesday, he accused The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal of spreading false information about his alleged drug habits. Musk shared a photo of his drug test results from June 18, which showed he tested negative for various substances. This response came after The Times published a report suggesting that Musk had used drugs extensively during his 2024 campaign.
In his post on social media platform X, Musk criticized the journalists at both publications, saying, "The WSJ & New York Times fake ‘journalists’ lied through their teeth about me. Now let’s see their drug test results. They will fail." He emphasized that the drug test results he provided would indicate any recent drug use, although it wouldn’t necessarily detect substances taken months earlier.
The Wall Street Journal had previously reported on Musk’s alleged drug use, claiming he had consumed illegal drugs like LSD, cocaine, ecstasy, and psychedelic mushrooms at private parties. Musk, however, has stated that he does not enjoy using illegal drugs. In a conversation with his biographer, Walter Isaacson, he mentioned using prescribed ketamine for depression, but only occasionally.
Musk has a history of criticizing established media, particularly The New York Times. He recently questioned the credibility of the publication, referring to its past reporting on the Russia collusion narrative. Musk’s ongoing disputes with these media outlets highlight his contentious relationship with traditional journalism.
As the situation unfolds, Musk’s public defense against these allegations is drawing significant attention. His strong reaction underscores the ongoing tension between high-profile figures and the media, especially in an era where public perception can shift rapidly based on news coverage.