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Trump’s Chief of Staff Reportedly Spouted Off About Elon Musk and Drugs to Vanity Fair

Trump’s Chief of Staff Reportedly Spouted Off About Elon Musk and Drugs to Vanity Fair

Susie Wiles, President Donald Trump’s White House chief of staff, made a number of surprisingly candid remarks to a Vanity Fair reporter over the past year, according to two new articles published Tuesday. The articles cover everything from the Jan. 6 pardons to the Epstein files. But it’s her take on Elon Musk that may raise quite a few eyebrows in the world of tech—not for what Wiles said, but for the simple fact that she said it out loud to a journalist.

Wiles refers to Musk as “an avowed ketamine [user],” according to Vanity Fair in the first of two articles. In a follow-up interview, the New York Times asked Wiles about that quote and she denied saying it.

“That’s ridiculous,” Wiles said, according to the Times. “I wouldn’t have said it and I wouldn’t know.” But the Times says Vanity Fair played an audio recording of her saying it. Gizmodo has not heard the audio recording.

Musk has previously said he used small doses of ketamine to treat depression but has denied taking other forms of recreational drugs. The Wall Street Journal‘s reporting from early 2024 was the first time a large, reputable media outlet investigated the extent of Musk’s purported drug use. The Journal said Musk had used ketamine, LSD, cocaine, ecstasy, and psychedelic mushrooms dating back to at least 2018. And executives at Musk’s companies, like Tesla and SpaceX, were reportedly worried about it.

Back in May of this year, the New York Times published a report that said “Musk’s drug consumption went well beyond occasional use,” and he was taking so much it was “affecting his bladder, a known effect of chronic use.” The Times suggested that Musk’s drug use was one of the reasons he made a Nazi-style salute on Jan. 20, the day of Trump’s second inauguration, an assumption that seemed reasonable given his erratic jumping on stage that day. An appearance at CPAC the following month, complete with a chainsaw, had a similarly unhinged aesthetic.

Musk’s work as head of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency put the billionaire in close proximity to Wiles, who also talked about the SpaceX CEO’s strange sleep patterns, saying “he sleeps in a sleeping bag in the EOB [Executive Office Building] in the daytime. And he’s an odd, odd duck, as I think geniuses are.”

Trump’s chief of staff also seemed disturbed by Musk’s unilateral dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which was done as one of his first big acts of vandalism against the federal government. The way Wiles tells it, Musk was behind the effort and she insisted Trump “doesn’t know the details of these smallish agencies.”

Wiles suggested that she didn’t want to see USAID go, especially not in the haphazard way it was done, telling Vanity Fair, “no rational person could think the USAID process was a good one. Nobody.”

Vanity Fair reports that former president George W. Bush even got involved behind the scenes in order to save the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a program Bush launched in 2003 and which depends on USAID grants. PEPFAR has prevented over 5 million babies from being born with HIV, according to the State Department’s own estimates from 2023.

Efforts to reach Musk through his companies were unsuccessful Tuesday. Gizmodo will update this article if we hear back.

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#Trumps #Chief #Staff #Reportedly #Spouted #Elon #Musk #Drugs #Vanity #Fair

Samsung has announced that its next Galaxy Unpacked launch event will be held on July 22nd, with the tagline: “A new shape unfolds.”

It’s long been rumored that Samsung is about to expand its foldable phone line to a third format, with a shorter and wider version of its big book-style foldables, to match Huawei’s Pura X Max and Apple’s expected foldable iPhone. Today’s announcement adds to that impression, showing a tall ticket with the stub torn off, leaving it shorter than before.

Alongside the wider foldable, Samsung is expected to announce updated versions of its existing Flip and Fold phones, with the latter potentially rebranded to the Z Fold 8 Ultra to differentiate it from the new form factor. New Galaxy Watches are likely too, with potential updates to both the mainline Galaxy Watch and the more premium Ultra model.

Galaxy Unpacked will be held in London, UK, kicking off at 9am ET on July 22nd.

#Samsung #launch #wide #foldable #July #22ndFoldable Phones,Gadgets,Mobile,News,Phones,Samsung,Tech,Wearable">Samsung will launch its new wide foldable on July 22ndSamsung has announced that its next Galaxy Unpacked launch event will be held on July 22nd, with the tagline: “A new shape unfolds.”It’s long been rumored that Samsung is about to expand its foldable phone line to a third format, with a shorter and wider version of its big book-style foldables, to match Huawei’s Pura X Max and Apple’s expected foldable iPhone. Today’s announcement adds to that impression, showing a tall ticket with the stub torn off, leaving it shorter than before.Alongside the wider foldable, Samsung is expected to announce updated versions of its existing Flip and Fold phones, with the latter potentially rebranded to the Z Fold 8 Ultra to differentiate it from the new form factor. New Galaxy Watches are likely too, with potential updates to both the mainline Galaxy Watch and the more premium Ultra model.Galaxy Unpacked will be held in London, UK, kicking off at 9am ET on July 22nd.#Samsung #launch #wide #foldable #July #22ndFoldable Phones,Gadgets,Mobile,News,Phones,Samsung,Tech,Wearable

announced that its next Galaxy Unpacked launch event will be held on July 22nd, with the tagline: “A new shape unfolds.”

It’s long been rumored that Samsung is about to expand its foldable phone line to a third format, with a shorter and wider version of its big book-style foldables, to match Huawei’s Pura X Max and Apple’s expected foldable iPhone. Today’s announcement adds to that impression, showing a tall ticket with the stub torn off, leaving it shorter than before.

Alongside the wider foldable, Samsung is expected to announce updated versions of its existing Flip and Fold phones, with the latter potentially rebranded to the Z Fold 8 Ultra to differentiate it from the new form factor. New Galaxy Watches are likely too, with potential updates to both the mainline Galaxy Watch and the more premium Ultra model.

Galaxy Unpacked will be held in London, UK, kicking off at 9am ET on July 22nd.

#Samsung #launch #wide #foldable #July #22ndFoldable Phones,Gadgets,Mobile,News,Phones,Samsung,Tech,Wearable">Samsung will launch its new wide foldable on July 22nd

Samsung has announced that its next Galaxy Unpacked launch event will be held on July 22nd, with the tagline: “A new shape unfolds.”

It’s long been rumored that Samsung is about to expand its foldable phone line to a third format, with a shorter and wider version of its big book-style foldables, to match Huawei’s Pura X Max and Apple’s expected foldable iPhone. Today’s announcement adds to that impression, showing a tall ticket with the stub torn off, leaving it shorter than before.

Alongside the wider foldable, Samsung is expected to announce updated versions of its existing Flip and Fold phones, with the latter potentially rebranded to the Z Fold 8 Ultra to differentiate it from the new form factor. New Galaxy Watches are likely too, with potential updates to both the mainline Galaxy Watch and the more premium Ultra model.

Galaxy Unpacked will be held in London, UK, kicking off at 9am ET on July 22nd.

#Samsung #launch #wide #foldable #July #22ndFoldable Phones,Gadgets,Mobile,News,Phones,Samsung,Tech,Wearable
One last chance to apply

Due to overwhelming interest, we’ve extended applications for Startup Battlefield Australia to July 20.

If you’ve been thinking about applying, do it now. There won’t be another extension.

One application could change everything

Since the first Startup Battlefield Australia in 2017, there have been 26 alumni companies that have collectively raised over $147 million, with three successful acquisitions. They’ve been backed by some of the world’s most respected investors — including Y Combinator, Blackbird Ventures, Square Peg Capital, Khosla Ventures, Microsoft, AirTree Ventures, Startmate, Techstars, and SOSV.

It all started with one decision: They applied.

Why apply now?

If you’re building something ambitious, this is a fast track to the people who can move your startup forward.

Selected founders will pitch live to:

  • Top-tier investors.
  • Global media.
  • Australia’s leading founders and operators.
  • Potential partners, customers, and hires.

This is more than a pitch competition. It’s a chance to earn visibility, credibility, and connections that can take years to build.

What’s at stake?

On August 19, 2026, eight startups will pitch live at Stripe Tour Sydney.

The top three will receive up to $15,000 in Stripe fee credits.

The grand prize is even bigger:

Automatic entry into Startup Battlefield 200 at TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco this October.

No second application. No extra round. Just a direct path to one of the world’s biggest startup stages.

Who should apply?

We’re looking for early-stage startups across Australia and New Zealand that are:

  • Pre-seed to Series B.
  • Building a real product or showing strong traction.
  • Ready to scale.
  • Ready to tell their story.

You don’t need to be a household name.

We’re looking for the next one.

The deadline has moved — the opportunity hasn’t

This extension gives you more time, but not much.

Applications now close July 20.

If you’ve been waiting, this is the moment.

Submit your application before July 20.

Free to apply. No equity taken. One opportunity that could change everything.

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

#Final #extension #Startup #Battlefield #Australia #applications #close #July #TechCrunchStartup Battlefield,Startup Battlefield Australia">Final extension: Startup Battlefield Australia applications now close July 20 | TechCrunch
One last chance to apply

Due to overwhelming interest, we’ve extended applications for Startup Battlefield Australia to July 20.

If you’ve been thinking about applying, do it now. There won’t be another extension.

One application could change everything

Since the first Startup Battlefield Australia in 2017, there have been 26 alumni companies that have collectively raised over 7 million, with three successful acquisitions. They’ve been backed by some of the world’s most respected investors — including Y Combinator, Blackbird Ventures, Square Peg Capital, Khosla Ventures, Microsoft, AirTree Ventures, Startmate, Techstars, and SOSV.







It all started with one decision: They applied.

Why apply now?

If you’re building something ambitious, this is a fast track to the people who can move your startup forward.

Selected founders will pitch live to:


Top-tier investors.



Global media.



Australia’s leading founders and operators.



Potential partners, customers, and hires.


This is more than a pitch competition. It’s a chance to earn visibility, credibility, and connections that can take years to build.


What’s at stake?

On August 19, 2026, eight startups will pitch live at Stripe Tour Sydney.

The top three will receive up to ,000 in Stripe fee credits.

The grand prize is even bigger:

Automatic entry into Startup Battlefield 200 at TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco this October.







No second application. No extra round. Just a direct path to one of the world’s biggest startup stages.

Who should apply?

We’re looking for early-stage startups across Australia and New Zealand that are:


Pre-seed to Series B.



Building a real product or showing strong traction.



Ready to scale.



Ready to tell their story.


You don’t need to be a household name.

We’re looking for the next one.

The deadline has moved — the opportunity hasn’t

This extension gives you more time, but not much.

Applications now close July 20.

If you’ve been waiting, this is the moment.

Submit your application before July 20.







Free to apply. No equity taken. One opportunity that could change everything.


When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.#Final #extension #Startup #Battlefield #Australia #applications #close #July #TechCrunchStartup Battlefield,Startup Battlefield Australia

applications for Startup Battlefield Australia to July 20.

If you’ve been thinking about applying, do it now. There won’t be another extension.

One application could change everything

Since the first Startup Battlefield Australia in 2017, there have been 26 alumni companies that have collectively raised over $147 million, with three successful acquisitions. They’ve been backed by some of the world’s most respected investors — including Y Combinator, Blackbird Ventures, Square Peg Capital, Khosla Ventures, Microsoft, AirTree Ventures, Startmate, Techstars, and SOSV.

It all started with one decision: They applied.

Why apply now?

If you’re building something ambitious, this is a fast track to the people who can move your startup forward.

Selected founders will pitch live to:

  • Top-tier investors.
  • Global media.
  • Australia’s leading founders and operators.
  • Potential partners, customers, and hires.

This is more than a pitch competition. It’s a chance to earn visibility, credibility, and connections that can take years to build.

What’s at stake?

On August 19, 2026, eight startups will pitch live at Stripe Tour Sydney.

The top three will receive up to $15,000 in Stripe fee credits.

The grand prize is even bigger:

Automatic entry into Startup Battlefield 200 at TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco this October.

No second application. No extra round. Just a direct path to one of the world’s biggest startup stages.

Who should apply?

We’re looking for early-stage startups across Australia and New Zealand that are:

  • Pre-seed to Series B.
  • Building a real product or showing strong traction.
  • Ready to scale.
  • Ready to tell their story.

You don’t need to be a household name.

We’re looking for the next one.

The deadline has moved — the opportunity hasn’t

This extension gives you more time, but not much.

Applications now close July 20.

If you’ve been waiting, this is the moment.

Submit your application before July 20.

Free to apply. No equity taken. One opportunity that could change everything.

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

#Final #extension #Startup #Battlefield #Australia #applications #close #July #TechCrunchStartup Battlefield,Startup Battlefield Australia">Final extension: Startup Battlefield Australia applications now close July 20 | TechCrunch

One last chance to apply

Due to overwhelming interest, we’ve extended applications for Startup Battlefield Australia to July 20.

If you’ve been thinking about applying, do it now. There won’t be another extension.

One application could change everything

Since the first Startup Battlefield Australia in 2017, there have been 26 alumni companies that have collectively raised over $147 million, with three successful acquisitions. They’ve been backed by some of the world’s most respected investors — including Y Combinator, Blackbird Ventures, Square Peg Capital, Khosla Ventures, Microsoft, AirTree Ventures, Startmate, Techstars, and SOSV.

It all started with one decision: They applied.

Why apply now?

If you’re building something ambitious, this is a fast track to the people who can move your startup forward.

Selected founders will pitch live to:

  • Top-tier investors.
  • Global media.
  • Australia’s leading founders and operators.
  • Potential partners, customers, and hires.

This is more than a pitch competition. It’s a chance to earn visibility, credibility, and connections that can take years to build.

What’s at stake?

On August 19, 2026, eight startups will pitch live at Stripe Tour Sydney.

The top three will receive up to $15,000 in Stripe fee credits.

The grand prize is even bigger:

Automatic entry into Startup Battlefield 200 at TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco this October.

No second application. No extra round. Just a direct path to one of the world’s biggest startup stages.

Who should apply?

We’re looking for early-stage startups across Australia and New Zealand that are:

  • Pre-seed to Series B.
  • Building a real product or showing strong traction.
  • Ready to scale.
  • Ready to tell their story.

You don’t need to be a household name.

We’re looking for the next one.

The deadline has moved — the opportunity hasn’t

This extension gives you more time, but not much.

Applications now close July 20.

If you’ve been waiting, this is the moment.

Submit your application before July 20.

Free to apply. No equity taken. One opportunity that could change everything.

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

#Final #extension #Startup #Battlefield #Australia #applications #close #July #TechCrunchStartup Battlefield,Startup Battlefield Australia

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