• Musk Shares Negative Drug Test: Elon Musk released a urine drug test showing no traces of ketamine, ecstasy, cocaine, or amphetamines. This test was taken 12 days after allegations of frequent drug use surfaced.
• Timing Raises Skepticism: Experts and critics noted that urine tests typically only detect drug use within 2–10 days. This limitation prompted calls for more reliable hair follicle testing to truly refute the claims.
• The New York Times Stands By Report: Despite Musk’s response, The New York Times defended its reporting. They insisted the clean test doesn’t contradict their findings and alleged Musk is simply trying to discredit the story.

Elon Musk has never shied away from controversy. Once again, the world’s richest man finds himself in the eye of a storm. This time, it’s not about Tesla stock or Twitter policy—it’s about drugs. Allegations of heavy ketamine use sent shockwaves through political and tech circles earlier this month. Prompted by these claims, Musk decided to take a public stand.

On Tuesday, June 17, the billionaire CEO posted a screenshot of his drug test results to his social platform X. He responded to the accusations with just a single word: “lol.” While the brief comment may seem flippant, the intention was clear—Musk wanted to show he was clean. According to the report from Fastest Labs of South Austin, all tests came back negative. No trace of ketamine, cocaine, ecstasy or amphetamines.

But here’s where the plot thickens.

Timing Raises Eyebrows Despite Negative Results

The drug test was conducted on June 11. This was 12 days after The New York Times published a bombshell report alleging that Musk was a frequent ketamine user. The report alleged his drug use even during his appearances on the campaign trail in support of Donald Trump’s 2024 reelection bid. It painted a troubling picture of a man using a cocktail of substances including ecstasy, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and reportedly traveling with a pill box of Adderall.

Critics quickly pointed out the timing. Most drugs, as noted by the lab’s own disclaimer, exit the body within two to ten days. A clean test taken 12 days after the alleged drug use doesn’t necessarily mean the accusations were false. It could simply mean Musk had enough time to cleanse his system.

Public reaction has been mixed. Some Musk supporters hailed the move as a mic-drop moment, with memes flooding X praising his “zero tolerance” drug test. Others weren’t convinced. “If you want to clear your name, take a hair follicle test,” one user posted. Hair tests, unlike urine samples, can detect drug use up to 90 days later.

Musk’s Supporters Cheer While Critics Demand More

Musk’s loyal fan base didn’t hesitate to defend him. Many dismissed The New York Times’ story as yet another smear campaign. They cited the media’s long history of scrutinizing Musk’s every move. The tech tycoon’s followers flooded social media with hashtags like #CleanAsRocketFuel and #FakeNews. They applauded their hero for confronting the headlines head-on.

Adding a dose of sarcasm to the defense was Grok, an X-operated reply bot. It chimed in with a cheeky take: “Looks like Elon dropped a lab report with a big fat ‘negative’ across the board—clean as a whistle! My best guess, and I’m no doctor here, is that it’s either a cheeky way to shut down some wild rumors about his health or maybe a subtle jab at those who think he’s indulging in something stronger than rocket fuel.”

But Musk’s critics weren’t laughing.

Political analysts and medical professionals weighed in. They noted that even if Musk had been using substances, a simple urine test days after the fact was unlikely to prove anything either way. “This is PR, not proof,” tweeted one commentator.

The New York Times Doubles Down on Allegations

In a firm statement to PEOPLE magazine on Tuesday, a spokesperson for The New York Times made it clear they weren’t backing down.

“Elon Musk is continuing to lash out because he doesn’t like our reporting,” the spokesperson said. “Nothing that he’s said or presented since our article about his drug use during the presidential campaign was published contradicts what we uncovered. We stand by our journalism.”

The article in question drew on sources close to Musk. These included unnamed insiders who allegedly witnessed the billionaire’s use of various drugs. They described the behavior as “intense” and “frequent,” with ketamine reportedly used nearly every day at one point. The claim that Musk carried a container filled with prescription stimulants only added fuel to the fire.

The story also linked Musk’s reported substance use to broader concerns about his behavior in high-stakes business environments. This included concerns during major decisions at SpaceX and Tesla. If the allegations are accurate, they raise questions about judgment and accountability at the highest levels of corporate America.

A Distraction or a Strategy?

Some observers believe the entire situation could be part of a calculated strategy. Musk, after all, has mastered the art of spectacle. Releasing a clean drug test, even a belated one, might have been less about clearing his name and more about shifting the narrative. His “lol” caption suggests he’s mocking the entire ordeal—and perhaps the media as a whole.

It wouldn’t be the first time Musk turned controversy into conversation. Whether it’s lighting up a joint on Joe Rogan’s podcast or tweeting at 3 a.m. about buying Twitter, he’s consistently pushed boundaries and grabbed headlines. Some believe it’s part of his brand—a way to stay relevant, stir up engagement, and remind the world that he doesn’t play by conventional rules.

But critics argue that when you’re the head of multiple billion-dollar companies and tied to national political campaigns, there should be some lines you don’t cross.

What Comes Next?

For now, the immediate headlines have been dominated by Musk’s drug test. But the story isn’t over.

Many are still calling for more comprehensive testing—particularly a hair follicle test that would reflect a longer history of substance use. Others want answers about how someone in Musk’s position could allegedly use these substances so openly without oversight or consequence.

There’s also the looming question of political influence. If Musk really was using drugs while actively supporting a presidential campaign, the implications stretch far beyond personal behavior. It touches on national security, investor trust, and the public’s right to transparency.

The real test may not be found in a urine cup. It’s more about how Musk weathers this scrutiny in the long run.

For now, he’s laughing. But the media, the public, and his critics aren’t all in on the joke.