Elon Musk appeared with a visible black eye during a joint Oval Office press conference with President Donald Trump on Friday, marking the end of Musk's brief but headline-grabbing role in the Trump administration as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk attributed the bruise to "horsing around" with his 5-year-old son, X Æ A-12, while sidestepping a newly published report alleging heavy drug use.
Wearing a T-shirt reading "The Dogefather" and a DOGE-branded cap, Musk addressed the press alongside Trump, who praised the early wins of his second term. However, attention quickly shifted to the bruising around Musk's right eye, which had sparked a flurry of speculation online during the live broadcast.
When questioned by reporters about the injury, Musk initially joked, "Well, I wasn't anywhere near France," referencing viral footage of French President Emmanuel Macron being shoved by his wife. Musk then explained, "I was walking around with Little X and I said, 'Go ahead and punch me in the face,' and he did."
Trump, noticing the exchange, interjected: "That was X that did that?" Musk confirmed, and the president responded, "X could do it, if you knew X."
The moment added levity to an otherwise tense backdrop. Just hours earlier, The New York Times published an exposé alleging that Musk used ketamine frequently in 2024, sometimes daily, leading to urinary damage. The report also cited use of MDMA, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and possession of a pill box containing Adderall.
When a reporter raised the article during the press event, Musk lashed out. "New York Times, is that the same publication that got a Pulitzer Prize for false reporting on the Russiagate? I think it is!" he said, referring to Trump's long-running criticism of press coverage of alleged Russian election interference.
Musk's remarks came as DOGE released a report claiming the department saved $175 billion through asset sales, canceled contracts, and anti-fraud efforts during his 130-day tenure-an estimated $1,087 in savings per taxpayer.
The allegations of drug use coincide with scrutiny of Musk's closeness to Trump. According to The Times, Musk donated nearly $275 million to support Trump's reelection campaign, raising concerns about the influence of tech billionaires on American politics.
Asked whether the alleged drug use extended into his federal service, Musk did not answer directly. The White House did not respond to requests for comment.
