PoliticusUSA is ad-free and never bending the knee, so please support us by becoming a subscriber.
It’s striking how the timing aligns: shortly after Elon Musk publicly criticized Donald Trump’s tax cuts, we find ourselves presented with a new mainstream media report detailing Musk’s alleged drug use.
As Elon Musk became one of Donald J. Trump’s closest allies last year, leading raucous rallies and donating approximately $275 million to support his presidential campaign, a more intense pattern of drug use has come to light, according to sources familiar with his habits.
Mr. Musk’s drug consumption reportedly exceeded casual use. He disclosed to others that his ketamine intake—an anesthetic—was so high it was jeopardizing his bladder health, a well-known consequence of long-term usage. Additionally, he was involved with substances like Ecstasy and psychedelic mushrooms, and was known to carry a daily medication box containing around 20 pills, featuring those marked as the stimulant Adderall, according to images of the box and witness accounts.
It remains unclear if Mr. Musk, at age 53, was under the influence during his time as a prominent figure in the White House, where he was granted the authority to dismantle aspects of the federal bureaucracy. His behavior has often been erratic, with instances of insulting cabinet members, making inappropriate gestures, and muddling his responses in staged interviews.
This scenario exemplifies what could be dubbed “Trump Politics 101.” Musk served as a pivotal player for Trump in gaining access to the White House, subsequently participating in efforts to undermine the federal government. It seems, however, that once Trump has no further use for the world’s richest man, he is more than willing to throw him under the proverbial bus.
The New York Times’ article appears to be a form of retribution for Musk’s recent critiques.
Despite this fallout, it’s unlikely that Musk will regain any favor among Democrats; members of both the House and Senate Democratic caucuses are clearly determined to hold him accountable, regardless of his departure from the Trump administration.
In the world of Trump, it’s hard to truly “leave” the administration. However, it appears that Trump and his inner circle are ready to turn against Musk.
In this scenario, a circular firing squad might, surprisingly, serve the public interest; the mutual self-destruction of the Trump and Musk factions could ultimately benefit the majority of Americans.
What are your thoughts on the revelations about Musk’s drug use? We invite you to share your opinions in the comments below.