Elon Musk’s latest clash with the New York Times exposes the media’s relentless push to smear a conservative ally. In late May, the Times published a hit piece alleging the Tesla CEO’s heavy drug use during President Trump’s 2024 campaign, as Variety reports. The report’s shaky claims crumbled when Musk posted a clean drug test on X, prompting a defensive retort from the Times.
The Times accused Musk of abusing ketamine, Ecstasy, and psychedelic mushrooms, even claiming he carried a daily pillbox with 20 tablets, some labeled Adderall. Musk, the world’s richest man and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, swiftly countered with an X post showing a urine test negative for 20 substances, including ketamine. His caption? A simple “lol” that spoke volumes.
The Times’ report leaned on a photo and unnamed witnesses to paint Musk as a drug-addled mogul whose ketamine use damaged his bladder. Yet Musk’s drug test, shared publicly, directly challenged their narrative. The billionaire’s history of admitting to prescription ketamine use years ago on X only underscores his transparency, not their accusations.
The New York Times’ PR account on X doubled down, insisting Musk’s test didn’t contradict the outlet's reporting. “Elon Musk is continuing to lash out because he doesn’t like our reporting,” the Times declared. The audacity to frame a factual rebuttal as a tantrum reveals more about the paper's agenda than Musk’s actions.
Musk fired back with a meme -- the “Why Are You Gae” clip from a 2012 Ugandan TV debate -- and a pointed question: “How exactly is that ‘lashing out’?” His playful yet sharp response exposed the Times’ attempt to spin his defense as unhinged. The meme, per Gayety, added a layer of internet-savvy wit to his clapback.
“I literally just posted ‘lol’ and the drug test results,” Musk wrote, dismantling the Times’ “lashing out” narrative with precision. The Times’ refusal to retract or clarify their claims suggests a deeper motive -- perhaps discomfort with Musk’s influence as a Trump ally. Their reporting seems less about truth and more about targeting a conservative heavyweight.
Musk’s role as a close Trump ally, donating roughly $275 million to the 2024 campaign, likely made him a prime target for the Times. He served as head of the Department of Government Efficiency under Trump until late May. The Times’ focus on his alleged drug use during the campaign reeks of political opportunism.
The Times’ narrative conveniently ignores Musk’s proven leadership at Tesla and SpaceX, where no evidence of drug-related impairment exists. Their reliance on vague “witness accounts” and a single photo of a pillbox feels flimsy against Musk’s concrete drug test results. It’s a classic case of media overreach, aiming to tarnish a figure who challenges their worldview.
Musk’s falling out with Trump over a Congressional spending bill adds context to the outlet's timing. Musk called the bill “a disgusting abomination,” criticizing its excesses. Trump suggested that Musk’s frustration stemmed from the bill’s removal of electric vehicle incentives, which would hit Tesla hard.
In a now-deleted X post, Musk alleged Trump’s name appeared in the “Epstein files,” hinting at why those records remain sealed. This explosive claim, though retracted, fueled speculation about Musk’s motives and his rift with Trump. It also distracted from the Times’ drug allegations, shifting focus to a broader political firestorm.
The Times’ insistence on standing by their journalism, despite Musk’s evidence, raises questions about their credibility. “Nothing that he’s said or presented since our article about his drug use during the presidential campaign was published contradicts what we uncovered,” they claimed. Yet their failure to address the negative drug test directly undermines their authority.
Musk’s blunt denial -- “I am NOT taking drugs! The New York Times was lying their ass off” -- cuts through the Times’ polished prose. His straightforward approach resonates with those tired of media spin. The outlet's refusal to engage with his evidence only deepens public skepticism of its motives.
The Times’ attack on Musk fits a pattern of targeting figures who defy progressive orthodoxy. As a billionaire who openly supports Trump and mocks woke culture, Musk is a lightning rod for their ire. Their reporting seems crafted to weaken his influence, not to uncover truth.
Musk’s drug test and witty responses have turned the tables, exposing the Times’ narrative as flimsy and biased. The public, increasingly wary of legacy media, sees through their tactics. Musk’s ability to fight back on X, unfiltered, highlights why the platform remains a battleground for truth.
This saga underscores a broader truth: the media’s obsession with smearing conservative allies like Musk often backfires. The Times’ failure to grapple with hard evidence -- while clinging to its story -- only erodes their relevance. Musk, with a single “lol,” has the last laugh, proving facts trump fiction every time.
