Trump asks aides if they think Musk’s behavior could be related to alleged drug use

President Donald Trump has privately questioned whether Elon Musk’s erratic behaviour in recent days could be linked to alleged drug use, sources familiar with White House discussions told CNN. The inquiry comes amid a public falling-out between the tech billionaire and the president, who until recently shared a cordial and mutually beneficial relationship.

Though Trump publicly claimed he’s “not even thinking about Elon,” insiders say the president has been rattled by Musk’s string of attacks on social media and during public appearances. The feud escalated sharply after Musk, just days removed from receiving a ceremonial golden key in the Oval Office, criticized Trump’s legislative agenda and made incendiary claims linking the administration to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein — claims the White House called “an unfortunate episode.”

Speaking aboard Air Force One on Friday night, Trump told reporters he was open to reviewing Musk’s government contracts. “The US can survive without almost anybody — except me,” he quipped, before clarifying that he was joking.

Trump also declined to make a definitive statement about Musk’s alleged drug use, despite asking aides behind the scenes about recent New York Times reports suggesting the billionaire had been taking ketamine regularly — sometimes daily — mixed with other substances. In a 2024 interview with Don Lemon, Musk had admitted to using a small amount of ketamine to treat mood disorders under medical supervision.

Amid the ongoing feud, conservative figures such as Steve Bannon have called for stronger actions. On his “War Room Live” broadcast, Bannon urged Trump to revoke Musk’s citizenship and investigate his drug use, describing the SpaceX and Tesla CEO as “illegal” and someone who “has got to go.”

The White House has so far tried to shift focus back to policy, with Trump speaking to foreign leaders and championing his sweeping economic bill. However, political analysts warn that the Musk-Trump conflict could distract from key legislative goals and fracture support among Republicans.

Some party leaders, like House Speaker Mike Johnson, expressed disappointment over the spat but remained hopeful for reconciliation. “I believe in redemption,” Johnson said. “I hope we can resolve it and get everybody together again. That’s really important for all of us.”

With Musk’s political donations — estimated at over $290 million last election cycle — now hanging in the balance, the fallout could have lasting impacts not only on Trump’s re-election strategy but also on the broader direction of the Republican Party.