In a striking turn within the ongoing feud between two of America’s most high-profile figures, US President Donald Trump has privately raised concerns about Elon Musk’s alleged drug use, even as he publicly attempts to downplay the rift. According to a CNN source familiar with internal discussions, Trump has asked aides whether Musk’s erratic behavior in recent months might be linked to substance abuse—specifically the tech billionaire’s reported use of ketamine.
While Trump has not made any formal statements accusing Musk, he appeared dismissive of the rumors when asked directly. During a phone conversation with CNN’s Dana Bash on Friday morning, the President stated, “I’m not even thinking about Elon” and emphasized that he would not be speaking to the Tesla and SpaceX CEO “for a while.” Nonetheless, the private questions reflect a deeper undercurrent of tension than Trump is willing to acknowledge publicly.
Highlights:
Trump has reportedly asked aides if Musk’s recent behavior stems from alleged drug use.
Publicly, Trump maintains he is uninterested in engaging further with Musk.
The feud adds new complexity to the historically fluid Trump-Musk relationship.
Trump Signals Potential Review of Federal Contracts
In a more serious shift, Trump hinted at the possibility of canceling or reviewing some of Elon Musk’s government contracts, a move that could have substantial financial and strategic consequences. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday night, Trump said he would “take a look at” federal deals involving Musk’s companies, particularly those related to space exploration and national defense.
This statement follows an earlier post on Truth Social in which the President appeared to mock Musk’s growing influence while suggesting that the federal government is not beholden to any one individual or corporation. “The US can survive without almost anybody – except me,” Trump said on the record, adding that he was joking—though insiders suggest the contract threats may not be entirely in jest.
Highlights:
Trump suggested he may re-evaluate or cancel Musk’s federal contracts.
SpaceX and Tesla rely heavily on government partnerships, including NASA and DOD.
The remark raises concerns about political interference in public-private partnerships.
From Oval Office Honors to Insults: A Rapid Relationship Collapse
The feud between Trump and Musk marks a sharp reversal in tone from just a week prior, when Musk was honored in the Oval Office with a symbolic golden key, signifying elite access and mutual admiration. That brief period of unity has since given way to pointed public criticisms, sarcastic jabs, and escalating hostility from both sides.
Sources suggest that Musk’s social media posts targeting Trump’s recent tax policies and budget plans were the initial trigger for the fallout. Trump, known for his quick temper and loyalty expectations, reportedly viewed Musk’s criticism as a betrayal—particularly after showing him favor at a high-profile event.
Highlights:
Just one week ago, Musk was honored in the Oval Office with symbolic recognition.
Public criticism from Musk triggered a sharp reversal in their relationship.
Trump’s administration now appears poised to retaliate through regulatory or financial means.
Drug Allegations Revived by New York Times Reporting
The backdrop of these tensions includes renewed focus on Elon Musk’s alleged drug use, particularly his self-admitted ketamine consumption. The New York Times published a report alleging that Musk’s use of ketamine intensified during 2024, at a time when he was gaining proximity to Trump’s inner circle. According to the piece, unnamed sources claim Musk was sometimes using ketamine daily and mixing it with other substances.
In a 2024 interview with Don Lemon, Musk acknowledged using “a small amount” of ketamine under medical supervision to manage depressive moods, but claimed his schedule made regular usage difficult. Trump, when asked about the Times report during an Air Force One interview, stated it “sounded very unfair” and reiterated that he had no firsthand knowledge of Musk’s “status.”
Highlights:
Musk admitted in 2024 to using prescribed ketamine for mood management.
NYT report alleges more frequent and unregulated use, especially in 2024.
Trump comments were noncommittal, though he privately questioned the reports’ validity.
Political and Commercial Ramifications for Musk
The feud places Musk in a precarious position, both commercially and politically. As the head of companies that rely on significant government contracts—particularly SpaceX, which partners with NASA and the Department of Defense, and Tesla, which benefits from green energy subsidies—any disruption in federal cooperation could have profound impacts on future operations and valuation.
Additionally, the controversy emerges at a time when Musk is positioning himself as a political powerbroker and free speech advocate, with ambitions extending into media and AI. The loss of support from a sitting president, especially one with a history of leveraging executive power against critics, poses both reputational and regulatory risks.
Highlights:
Musk’s federal contracts could be at risk amid ongoing tensions with Trump.
The feud threatens to derail Musk’s ambitions in space, AI, and electric vehicles.
Loss of political capital may limit Musk’s influence in policy and tech circles.
