Elon Musk, the influential entrepreneur and CEO of multiple companies, has recently found himself at the center of controversy following allegations of erratic behavior and substance abuse during his involvement in political affairs. According to one report, Musk has contributed $275 million to Donald Trump’s run for president. He was instrumental in creating the “Department of Government Efficiency,” informally known as Doge.
On Wednesday evening, Musk tweeted that he was done with government service. This unexpected decision follows his wielding of tremendous influence over federal spending cuts and his involvement in high-stakes meetings with foreign heads of state at the White House. His actions during this time have been roundly condemned. This backlash accelerated after he reportedly insulted cabinet secretaries and made a Nazi-style salute during a campaign rally.
On top of Musk’s political machinations, his friendship with noted public intellectual Sam Harris has ended in the blast wave. Harris expressed concern over Musk’s behavior, stating, “There is something seriously wrong with his moral compass, if not his perception of reality.”
As things began to develop, reports started surfacing about Musk’s increasingly apparent issues with substance abuse. He allegedly became addicted to ketamine, allegedly using the drug as often as every day. He alleged in media interviews that he took ketamine “on average once every two weeks.” His allies disclosed that by the spring of last year, Musk was willing to concede that his ketamine habit was damaging his bladder.
The dangers associated with chronic ketamine use have cast a shadow on this emerging treatment. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), such abuse can result in a serious disconnect from reality. This would only contribute to the troubles Musk is currently experiencing.
Musk himself has at least indirectly admitted that his substance use has affected his productivity. He told journalist Don Lemon in March 2024, “If you’ve used too much ketamine, you can’t really get work done, and I have a lot of work.”
The evolving saga around Elon Musk highlights the disparity between the high-profile political clout Musk has accumulated and his apparent personal crisis. As he leaves public service, history will be asking what difference his actions made. To get a glimpse into the future of his artistic and political endeavors.