How Elon Musk’s Security Clearance Secrets May Be Revealed

Elon Musk’s security clearance is coming under scrutiny from a recent court ruling that has opened a door for details about Musk’s clearance to become public. Musk’s SpaceX holds massive U.S. government defense contracts despite several factors that make Musk a potential risk to national security. This ruling could shine a light on how the government handles national security risks posed by high-profile individuals.

SpaceX has government contracts worth billions, which has also required Elon Musk to have certain levels of security clearance.

A Court Order Cracks the Door to Disclosure

The potential for revelation comes from a federal court order that directed the Defense Counterintelligence and

Security Agency (DCSA) to release information about Musk’s security clearances. The court's decision was based on the argument that Musk himself had eroded his right to privacy by publicly discussing sensitive issues related to his clearance eligibility.

Public Drug Use and the Vetting Process

One major factor called out in the court case is Musk’s public history with controlled substances. In the security clearance world, any use of illegal drugs or the misuse of prescription drugs is considered a "red flag" that suggests poor judgment or potential for blackmail.

For example, Musk publicly smoked marijuana during a 2018 video interview with podcaster Joe Rogan. Since marijuana remains illegal under federal law, this highly public act triggered an official government review of his security status. More recently, Musk has admitted to using ketamine, stating that he has a prescription for it to help with a "depressive mindstate." He has defended this use, claiming on X that "occasional use of Ketamine is a much better option [than antidepressants], in my opinion."

However, there is also evidence that he abused ketamine and other drugs in private settings. This history of drug use includes consuming LSD at a party he hosted in Los Angeles in 2018 and using magic mushrooms in Mexico the following year. Musk also took ketamine for fun with his brother, Kimbal Musk, who serves on the boards of both Tesla and SpaceX. Because of this, former Tesla director, Linda Johnson Rice, resigned from the board. She was reportedly frustrated with Musk's "volatile behavior and her concerns about his drug consumption."

While Musk has claimed his drug use is either prescribed or tested by SpaceX, his repeated public discussions and past actions forced national security investigators to examine how he could maintain a clearance that is necessary for his company's work with NASA and the Department of Defense.