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The drug allegations against Elon Musk shocked the public, sparking Wall Street reactions and intense scrutiny on his leadership style.

01 Jun 2025 2 min

Elon Musk, a central figure in the technology world, is once again at the center of the news following allegations of drug use. This case is attracting widespread attention—not only because it concerns his personal reputation, but also because it has caused tension on the stock market and increased scrutiny of Musk’s famously eccentric leadership.

The controversy erupted after an in-depth report from The New York Times revealed claims of Musk’s routine ketamine use, allegedly almost daily, which has impacted his bladder health. In addition, Musk was accused of having used ecstasy, psychedelic mushrooms, and Adderall, as well as carrying a daily pillbox containing dozens of medications. The report quickly went viral and sparked debate across social media platforms.

Musk did not stay silent. Through his X (Twitter) account, he asserted that all allegations were false. Musk admitted he had received a ketamine prescription a few years ago to deal with depression, but said he no longer used the drug. He also described the New York Times report as deliberate misinformation amplified by the media.

The effects of this issue were quickly felt on Wall Street. When the report surfaced, many investors worried about its impact on Tesla, SpaceX, and other Musk-led companies. However, Tesla stock proved resilient, even showing gains. Major investors seemed to ignore the rumors, judging Tesla’s fundamentals to remain solid.

Nevertheless, some shareholders and board members expressed concern that Musk’s behavior and lifestyle could pose reputational risks to the company.

Public perceptions of Musk’s leadership have grown even more eccentric, especially during the 2024 U.S. presidential campaign. There were also reports of Musk making gestures that resembled a Nazi salute at a public event, further muddying public perception and raising questions about his emotional stability. On the other hand, Musk’s loyalists continue to defend him, claiming the allegations are politically motivated attacks.

Amid this pressure, Musk continues to perform his strategic duties. During his tenure as head of the Government Efficiency Department under President Trump, Musk’s leadership was under constant scrutiny. He once appeared at the White House with a black eye, which he claimed was due to playing with his child. President Trump stated that, even after Musk resigned from the official post, he would remain an informal adviser to the administration.

Media coverage has played a significant role in shaping public opinion about Musk’s controversy. Reports by The New York Times and other global media outlets have amplified the issue. Despite Musk’s repeated denials, public scrutiny and media pressure remain high.

These drug allegations add to the growing list of challenges for Elon Musk as a leader in the modern tech era. He is now required to prove his integrity and maintain the trust of both investors and the public. This issue is a crucial test for Musk’s unique leadership style, serving as an important lesson for other tech leaders. The controversy also highlights the critical role of personal reputation in maintaining corporate stability in today’s era of information transparency.

The sharp focus on Elon Musk’s personal life proves that the reputation of tech leaders is inseparable from company performance in global markets. These drug allegations serve as a reminder of the importance of transparency and healthy leadership in the tech industry. Wall Street, investors, and the public are now waiting for Musk’s next move.