Billionaire innovator Elon Musk just dropped a bombshell on social media, posting a negative drug test to slap down persistent rumors of substance abuse.
Newsmax reported that in a bold move on June 11, 2024, Musk shared an image on X of a drug screening test from Fastest Labs of South Austin and United States Drug Testing, showing no trace of controlled substances, while challenging media outlets to prove their own cleanliness.
The test, with a urine sample collected on June 11, received two days later, and reported on June 16, showed negative results for everything from cocaine to ketamine to amphetamines.
That’s a long list of “nope” for accusations that have been swirling around Musk, the head of Tesla, SpaceX, and recently tapped to lead President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
With a cheeky caption of “lol,” Musk didn’t just share the results—he threw down the gauntlet. It’s almost as if he’s saying, “I’ve got nothing to hide, but what about you?” This kind of bravado isn’t new for Musk, but it’s a sharp jab at critics who’ve been piling on for weeks.
Musk didn’t stop there, taking direct aim at The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal with a challenge to undergo their own drug screenings. “I hereby challenge the NYT and WSJ to take drug tests and publish the results!” he declared on X, calling out what he sees as hypocrisy in the press. If you’re going to sling mud, shouldn’t your own house be spotless?
The timing of Musk’s post is intriguing, coming on the same day he publicly apologized to President Trump for overstepping in comments about a Senate megabill.
While unrelated to the drug test, it shows Musk navigating multiple controversies with his characteristic mix of defiance and diplomacy. You’ve got to admire the juggling act, even if you don’t agree with every move.
Diving into the specifics, the documentation Musk shared listed the reason for the test as “other,” leaving room for speculation about why he chose to get screened now. Was this a planned rebuttal or a spontaneous decision to clear the air? Either way, it’s a calculated move in a high-stakes game of public perception.
The allegations Musk is countering aren’t light fare; a May 30 report from The New York Times claimed he used a mix of substances like ketamine, ecstasy, and hallucinogenic mushrooms.
The same piece alleged he carried a daily medication box with stimulant-like pills during Trump’s campaign and advisory roles. These are serious claims, yet Musk’s test results seem to shout, “Prove it!”
Musk has admitted to past use, saying he “tried 'prescription' ketamine a few years ago” for depression. But he’s quick to add, “haven't taken it since then,” framing it as a closed chapter rather than an ongoing issue. It’s a rare glimpse of vulnerability from a man often seen as larger than life, and it deserves a fair hearing over sensational headlines.
The Times report also suggested Musk consumed high doses of ketamine, leading to health issues, though it remained vague on whether this happened during his White House advisory work.
Such ambiguity fuels skepticism about the story’s reliability—shouldn’t accusations this heavy come with concrete timelines? Musk’s clean test adds weight to his side of the argument.
On X, Musk has been unrelenting, accusing the Times of “lying their a** off” about his habits. It’s a blunt dismissal of narratives that paint him as reckless, especially while he’s tasked with slashing government bureaucracy under Trump’s administration.
His defenders might argue this is another case of the progressive-leaning media targeting a figure who challenges their worldview. Musk’s role in DOGE, aiming to streamline government excess, already makes him a lightning rod for criticism from those cozy with big bureaucracy. Yet, even skeptics must concede that a negative test across a wide range of substances is hard to ignore.
Musk’s retort, “NOT taking drugs,” cuts through the noise with simplicity. It’s not just a denial; paired with hard evidence, it’s a demand for accountability from those who’ve questioned his integrity. If the media wants to play judge, shouldn’t they face the same scrutiny?
Agreeing with a suggestion that Times staff should be tested, Musk quipped, “Great idea.” It’s a polite but pointed jab, highlighting what he sees as a double standard in how conservative figures are hounded while others get a pass. This isn’t about vengeance; it’s about fairness in a culture too quick to cancel.