Trump Says He Was Not Aware of Musk’s Alleged Drug Use/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump told reporters he was unaware of Elon Musk’s alleged drug use following a New York Times report. Musk dismissed the claims during a White House press conference, attacking the publication’s credibility. Trump praised Musk’s contributions to his administration, calling his work “unmatched in modern history.” Trump weighed in on a viral video showing French President Emmanuel Macron’s wife appearing to push his face. Trump offered lighthearted advice: “Make sure the door remains closed.” Despite the buzz, both leaders say their relationships are fine.
Trump, Musk & Drug Allegations: Quick Looks
- Trump says he’s “not troubled” by Musk report
- New York Times claims Musk used ketamine and other drugs extensively
- Musk deflects drug questions, slams the Times’ credibility
- Trump praises Musk’s role in Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)
- Says Musk “really not leaving” after role ends
- Musk promises continued advisory role to Trump
- DOGE cuts led to over 121,000 federal job losses
- Musk says $1 trillion in cuts still possible “over time”
- Trump presents Musk with ceremonial key at Oval Office
- Union and media criticism mounts as details remain vague
- Trump, Macron & Viral Clip: Quick Looks
- Trump jokes after Brigitte Macron appears to push Emmanuel’s face
- “Make sure the door remains closed,” he quips
- Describes the incident as “not good” but says couple is “fine”
- Trump says he spoke to Macron privately about it
- Macron downplays video, calls it a joke blown out of proportion
- Clip circulated widely online, fueling speculation and memes
- Trump and the Macrons have shared close diplomatic ties in past
- Brigitte Macron known for playful public moments with her husband
- Social media theorists overanalyze the clip despite Macron’s clarity
- No indication of tension between the French president and first lady
Deep Look: Trump Brushes Off Drug Allegations Against Musk, Hails His Public Service
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump publicly defended tech billionaire Elon Musk on Friday after a New York Times report alleged Musk had been using drugs “far more intensely than previously known” during his rise within the Trump administration. Speaking after a rally in Pittsburgh, Trump responded, “I think he’s fantastic,” and insisted he was not troubled by the report.
“I think Elon is a fantastic guy… I’m not troubled by anything with Elon,” Trump said.
The comments came just hours after Musk, during an appearance with Trump in the Oval Office, dodged direct questions about the Times article. Instead of addressing the specifics, Musk questioned the Times’ credibility, referencing past reporting controversies.
Musk’s Reaction and Past Admissions
When pressed by a reporter, Musk fired back:
“The New York Times? The same publication that got a Pulitzer for false Russiagate reporting? Let’s move on.”
In a prior 2024 interview, Musk admitted to using small, prescribed doses of ketamine to manage mood swings. However, the Times now reports that he was allegedly using ketamine almost daily, often combining it with other drugs, citing unnamed sources.
Trump: “Musk Isn’t Really Leaving”
While Friday marked Musk’s final day as a “special government employee” in charge of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Trump hinted that the billionaire’s influence is far from over.
“Elon is really not leaving. He’ll be back and forth… It’s his baby,” Trump said.
During a farewell press conference, Trump presented Musk with a ceremonial key, calling his tenure “unparalleled in modern history.”
“He’s already running one of the world’s most innovative companies, and now he’s transformed Washington,” Trump said.
DOGE Cuts and Economic Impact
As head of DOGE, Musk promised to slash $1 trillion in federal spending, a goal he now says will take “more time.” In his first 100 days, his department cut or targeted layoffs for over 121,000 federal employees, with thousands more accepting voluntary buyouts.
Musk said cutting the budget was complex:
“It’s just a lot of work going through vast federal expenses and asking tough questions.”
His previous promise to cut $2 trillion has since been revised down to $150 billion for the upcoming fiscal year.
Advisory Role to Continue
Though no longer officially part of the federal government, Musk confirmed he will still advise Trump.
“I expect to remain a friend and adviser. If there’s anything the president wants me to do, I’m at the president’s service,” Musk said.
“I hope so,” Trump added.
Ongoing Scrutiny and Political Blowback
The New York Times report could further complicate Musk’s high-profile government involvement. Democrats and watchdog groups have questioned the transparency of his role and whether personal matters, such as drug use, could compromise national security or administrative integrity.
Musk’s controversial leadership at DOGE has already drawn fire from unions and public sector advocates. With the drug use allegations now in the spotlight, critics argue the administration may have overlooked serious vetting protocols.
Despite the backlash, Trump remains unwavering in his support, framing Musk’s tenure as a major success.
Trump Offers Macron Marital Advice After Viral Tarmac Moment
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump couldn’t resist weighing in Friday on a viral video involving French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte, which appeared to show her pushing his face playfully as he stepped off a plane in Hanoi, Vietnam.
When asked by a reporter in the Oval Office whether he had any marital advice for his French counterpart, Trump gave a classic Trump-style response:
“Make sure the door remains closed.”
Trump then chuckled and added more context, revealing that he had spoken with Macron following the incident:
“That was not good. No. I spoke to him, and he’s fine, they’re fine, they’re two really good people,” the president said. “I don’t know what that was all about, but I know them well. They’re fine.”
The Viral Clip That Sparked Speculation
The footage, which went viral earlier in the week, showed Brigitte Macron playfully pressing her hand into her husband’s face as he disembarked the aircraft. While it seemed lighthearted to many, online commentary quickly exploded with speculation about what had happened, with some social media users humorously suggesting marital tension.
Macron later dismissed the chatter, telling reporters:
“There’s a video showing me joking and teasing my wife and somehow that becomes a sort of geo-planetary catastrophe, with people even coming up with theories to explain it.”
Trump and Macron: A Diplomatic Relationship with Personal Ties
Trump and Macron, despite their occasional policy clashes, have enjoyed a cordial and at times close diplomatic relationship. Their wives, Melania Trump and Brigitte Macron, have appeared together frequently during summits and state visits.
The Trumps hosted the Macrons for the first state dinner of Trump’s first term, and the French couple reciprocated warmly during Trump’s visit to Paris for Bastille Day celebrations in 2017.
Given that backdrop, Trump’s joke appeared more teasing than critical — a nod to both couples’ shared history and the public scrutiny that comes with being political figures on the global stage.
A Flashpoint in a Quiet News Cycle
While the video incident itself was minor, its virality reflects how even fleeting personal moments involving world leaders can become global talking points. Macron’s lighthearted reaction and Trump’s good-natured comment may help deflate any lingering speculation.
Still, in the social media era, it’s not uncommon for such clips to gain traction and morph into exaggerated narratives, particularly when tied to political figures.
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