‘Let’s move on’: Musk fires back at NYT drug report during Trump send-off

Elon Musk

Elon Musk lashed out at The New York Times during his White House farewell on Friday, dismissing its reporting on his alleged drug use and calling the publication untrustworthy.

Standing beside former President Donald Trump, Musk interrupted a reporter's question about the Times’ recent report by saying, “Oh wait, wait, wait! New York Times? Is it the same publication that got a Pulitzer Prize for false reporting on the Russia Gate? Is it the same organization?”

Turning to Trump, he added, “I think it is. I think it is.” Musk continued, “I think the judge ruled against The New York Times for their lies about the Russia Gate hoax. Have to give that Pulitzer back. That New York Times? Let’s move on.”

Elon Musk cooking The New York Times is the best thing you'll see on the internet today. pic.twitter.com/wqYS4DGEkU
DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) May 30, 2025

The pointed comments came just days after The New York Times published a report alleging that Musk regularly used drugs like ketamine during his time advising Trump—so excessively, the paper claimed, that it led to bladder issues and required him to travel with a daily supply of around 20 pills.

Musk firmly denied engaging with the claims, saying during the send-off, “People can't trust the Times,” and that he was “moving on” from the controversy.

The fiery remarks overshadowed what was officially a farewell ceremony marking the end of Musk’s 130-day tenure as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a role created during Trump’s second term to slash federal spending. Musk said he was stepping down due to the legal limit for “special government employees.” “The legal limit,” he noted.

President Trump, hosting the event in the Oval Office, praised Musk as “one of the greatest business leaders and innovators the world has ever produced,” and handed him a ceremonial golden key bearing the White House insignia.

“Elon’s service to America has been without comparison in modern history,” Trump said. “I just want to thank Elon for his time as special government employee. Can you imagine? We call him an employee, but it’s a special government employee—for coming and helping us, and he really has changed the mindset of a lot of people.”

Musk, who wore a black T-shirt emblazoned with “The Dogefather,” told reporters he would now return his focus to his private ventures, including Tesla and SpaceX, but hoped to remain a “friend and adviser” to Trump. “The DOGE team will only grow stronger over time,” he said, defending his legacy despite criticism over exaggerated cost-saving claims and aggressive government cuts.

Though he fell short of his lofty pledge to save $1 trillion, Musk’s DOGE made deep cuts to federal departments, including diversity initiatives and migrant housing support—actions that drew praise from conservatives but raised alarms among civil servants and watchdog groups. His time in Washington was also marked by power struggles with cabinet officials and a failed attempt to obtain a sensitive China briefing at the Pentagon, according to The New York Times.

Musk brushed off a visible black eye at the event, joking it came from being accidentally punched by his 5-year-old son.
Although he's leaving Washington, Musk remains financially tied to Trump’s political future. He has pledged to donate $100 million to groups aligned with Trump ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, though the funds had yet to materialize as of this week, according to people familiar with the matter.

“Elon’s service to America has been without comparison in modern history,”  said Trump.

Musk, in turn, made it clear that while he’s leaving Washington, he’s not leaving rump’s orbit anytime soon.