Leaked Audio Puts White House Insider and Elon Musk at the Center of a Political Storm
Newly released audio recording of White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles’ private remarks against tech billionaire Elon Musk has sparked political controversy. The recording, released following a high-profile magazine story, has put Musk and senior Trump associates in an uncomfortable public spotlight.
A report said Wiles called Musk a “avowed ketamine user” in feature story interviews, sparking the dispute. After the report was published, Wiles denied making such a statement, stating she would neither make such remarks nor know Musk’s private behavior. Her denial seemed to resolve the issue.
That quiet was brief. Chris Whipple, who interviewed for the story, gave a major U.S. newspaper an audio recording. Wiles speaks on Musk’s demeanor, lifestyle, and drug use in the recording. She also calls him unorthodox and strange, admitting she didn’t know some of his assertions.
The audio also addresses Musk’s X activities. Whipple queried Wiles about Musk sharing a piece that incorrectly claimed previous tyrants did not commit mass murder. Wiles hypothesized on Musk’s behavior in the recording, again cautioning that her comments were unsupported.
Wiles made a supplementary statement denouncing the magazine piece and her statements when the recording spread. She called the report deceptive and unfair, alleging that key information was deleted to hurt the White House team and administration. Her statement said the story overlooked constructive leadership and governance debates.
As of the latest updates, Elon Musk, a former head of the Department of Government Efficiency, had not publicly replied to the recording or Wiles’ remarks. Musk has often denied using ketamine recreationally. He has admitted mental health treatment discussions but denied claims of illegal drug use.
Recorded conversations are increasingly used in political reporting, when private interviews can become public proof. It also highlights the complex interplay between political power centers and influential technological executives, especially when social media platforms shape public opinion.
Readers care about both what was said and how it is handled in the public realm. The episode highlights problems regarding journalistic context, off-the-record expectations, and how quickly unverified or disputed allegations can impact public discourse. As comments spread, the episode reminds us how fast private words may become national news.
Sources
New York Times
Vanity Fair
Public statements from the White House Chief of Staff’s office
