Recently, Susie Wiles, who served as President Donald Trump’s chief of staff, made headlines by sharing unexpected insights with a Vanity Fair reporter. These revelations range from discussions about January 6 pardons to her candid take on tech mogul Elon Musk. Wiles’ comments on Musk are particularly eye-catching—not just for their content, but for the fact that she openly expressed them to a journalist.
In an interview with Vanity Fair, Wiles called Musk “an avowed ketamine user.” However, when the New York Times followed up on this quote, she dismissed it, stating, “That’s ridiculous. I wouldn’t have said it and I wouldn’t know.” The Times reported that they had audio evidence of her statement, although Gizmodo hasn’t confirmed its authenticity.
Musk has previously mentioned using small doses of ketamine to cope with depression and has denied using other recreational drugs. The Wall Street Journal reported early this year that Musk had allegedly experimented with various substances, including LSD, cocaine, and ecstasy, stirring concerns among his colleagues at Tesla and SpaceX.
A report from the New York Times in May revealed that Musk’s drug use might be more extensive than casual experimentation. They noted that it was impacting his health, specifically affecting his bladder—a known side effect of chronic drug use. They also speculated that his drug habits potentially influenced his erratic behavior, such as performing a Nazi-style salute at Trump’s second inauguration.
Wiles also recounted some unusual details about Musk’s daily routine, including his bizarre sleeping habits—“he sleeps in a sleeping bag in the EOB [Executive Office Building] in the daytime,” she said. She characterized him as “an odd, odd duck,” a sentiment that reflects how creativity and eccentricity often intertwine in brilliant minds.
A particular bone of contention for Wiles was Musk’s abrupt dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), an episode she described as a piece of “vandalism” against the federal government. Wiles made it clear that Trump was probably not aware of the details surrounding this agency’s elimination.
Concerned about the impact of such decisions, Wiles expressed her desire to see a more rational approach to USAID’s operations. She noted, “No rational person could think the USAID process was a good one. Nobody.”
Interestingly, efforts to salvage vital programs like the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)—initiated by former President George W. Bush—were even made behind the scenes, emphasizing the far-reaching effects of these decisions. PEPFAR has played a crucial role in preventing over 5 million infants from being born with HIV.
On the day this article was written, attempts to reach Musk for comment through his companies were unsuccessful. While this saga unfolds, it prompts a range of questions about the influence of personal decisions on public leadership and the responsibilities that come with power.
What did Susie Wiles say about Elon Musk?
Wiles labeled Musk as “an avowed ketamine user,” a claim she later denied despite an audio recording suggesting otherwise.
Why did Musk’s drug use become a topic of concern?
The media has brought attention to Musk’s reported drug usage, suggesting that it may be affecting his health and behavior, even prompting worries among executives at his companies.
What is USAID and why is it important?
USAID is crucial for international development efforts, and Wiles was particularly concerned about its abrupt dismantling, which she viewed as poorly executed and detrimental.
How has PEPFAR impacted lives?
Since its inception, PEPFAR has been instrumental in preventing millions of HIV infections in infants, showcasing the importance of maintaining robust health initiatives.
What are the implications of these revelations for Trump’s administration?
This discussion sheds light on the chaotic environment within Trump’s administration and raises questions about decision-making processes at high levels of government.
What are your thoughts on Susie Wiles’ comments regarding Elon Musk? Feel free to share your insights in the comments below!