WASHINGTON D.C. — Elon Musk’s turbulent reign as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) ended this week amid explosive claims of chronic drug use and a rare public rift with former ally Donald Trump. The billionaire’s May 28 exit caps a 130-day tenure marked by bureaucratic chaos, personal controversies, and a dramatic falling-out over Trump’s $3.8 trillion “One Big Beautiful Bill”.
Ketamine, Ecstasy, and a “Dark Mental Hole”
A New York Times investigation revealed Musk’s alleged heavy ketamine use during the 2024 campaign, with sources claiming the Tesla CEO consumed enough to cause bladder dysfunction—a known side effect of prolonged abuse . The report also cited Ecstasy, psychedelic mushrooms, and a daily regimen of 20 pills, including Adderall, stored in a personal pillbox. Musk denied the claims Saturday on X, insisting he hasn’t taken ketamine since using it “a few years ago” for depression: “It helps for getting out of dark mental holes” .
Black Eye, Nazi Salute, and Bungled Goodbye
Musk’s final White House appearance Friday featured a shiner he blamed on his 5-year-old son X: “Turns out even a five-year-old punching you in the face actually is…” he trailed off . The moment capped months of erratic behavior, including a 2024 Nazi-style salute and garbled responses during a DOGE press conference . Critics questioned his fitness for office, with the Partnership for Public Service estimating DOGE’s reforms could cost $135 billion due to botched layoffs and lost productivity .
The $1 Trillion Lie and Trump’s “Beautiful” Betrayal
Once hailed as Trump’s “chainsaw for bureaucracy,” Musk failed spectacularly to deliver his promised $1 trillion in cuts. DOGE’s claimed $170 billion savings were riddled with accounting errors, and Musk’s credibility collapsed further after he trashed Trump’s flagship legislation. “A bill can be big, or it can be beautiful,” Musk told CBS, slamming the package’s $3.8 trillion deficit spike . Trump, who had showcased Tesla vehicles on the White House lawn, now faces blowback from conservatives over the rift .
Grimes’ Custody Fears and a “Vicious Cycle”
As Musk’s government role imploded, his personal life spiraled. Musician Grimes, mother to three of his children, allegedly fears 5-year-old X’s health is jeopardized by Musk’s “extensive travel and irregular sleep patterns” . Court documents reveal battles over custody and child support with multiple women, complicating his image as a hands-on “DOGEfather” . Medical experts warn Musk’s alleged ketamine use could create a “vicious cycle” of bladder damage and increased dependency .
Legacy: Protests, Stock Plunge, and a Remote “Adviser”
Musk’s exit leaves DOGE in disarray, with Acting Administrator Amy Gleason overseeing a skeleton crew of 20-something engineers . Tesla’s board reportedly explores replacing him as CEO amid plunging shares and worker protests . Yet Trump insists Musk remains a “friend and adviser,” teasing future collaborations even as the billionaire retreats to manage his empire’s crises .
