Elon Musk just delivered a masterclass in how to handle a media hit job—by turning the narrative back on the accusers and exposing their bias with facts.
Last month, The New York Times published a report accusing Musk of using drugs like ketamine and displaying erratic behavior, even suggesting he mimicked a “Nazi salute” during a public event. The “salute” in question? A hand-over-heart gesture followed by an arm extension to the audience. Musk explained it was a sign of gratitude. The press twisted it into a symbol of hate.
But Musk didn’t stop with denials. On Tuesday, he posted the results of a clean drug test conducted June 11 by a lab in Austin, Texas. No ketamine. No narcotics. Nothing to back the NYT’s claim. Then came the mic drop: Musk publicly challenged both The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal to take drug tests themselves—and publish the results.
That kind of move is vintage Musk, and it echoes the counter-punching tactics of another man the press can’t stand—Donald Trump. Fittingly, Musk made the post just weeks after being honored by Trump in the Oval Office for his work on cryptocurrency and AI. During that same visit, Musk mocked the NYT’s Russia collusion hoax, earning a laugh from Trump.
Musk’s response to the smear campaign was as swift as it was effective. He noted that as a contractor for the federal government, he’s subject to random drug testing. “I’m one of the most photographed people on Earth,” he said. “If I were using drugs, someone would have noticed.” The latest test proves it.
The New York Times tried to save face, insisting the clean test “doesn’t contradict” their reporting. But the public wasn’t buying it. The backlash was immediate, with critics accusing the paper of pushing innuendo over evidence.
All of this comes as Musk and Trump appear to be moving toward a political reconciliation. After falling out over the One Big Beautiful Bill earlier this year, Musk reportedly reached out to Trump’s Vice President JD Vance and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. He even spoke to Trump personally by phone, suggesting that a reunion between the two titans may be back on the table.
Though Trump is currently focused on Middle East tensions, Musk’s message lands loud and clear: he’s done playing defense, and he’s not afraid to call out the media’s double standards.
In an age when legacy outlets like the Times wield influence with little accountability, Elon Musk’s public challenge isn’t just personal—it’s a line in the sand.
The media tried to humiliate him. Instead, they exposed themselves.
And if Trump and Musk do team up? The media may want to stock up on aspirin—because the headaches are just getting started.
