A Democratic congresswoman has introduced a bill that requires Elon Musk and other workers in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to undergo drug testing to keep their status as “special government employees.”
Representative Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) filed the legislation on Tuesday, emphasizing that Musk, who has a “well-documented history of drug use,” should adhere to the same drug testing rules as other executive officials. Sherrill is currently campaigning for governor of New Jersey. She stated, “Those with access to sensitive information must be thoroughly vetted, clear-eyed, and exercise good judgment.”
Sherrill criticized the Trump administration, saying that Musk has been granted significant access to sensitive information, including financial and military data. She called for equal standards for drug testing and conflict of interest evaluations among executive branch employees. Citing past incidents where national security officials mishandled classified information, she stressed the need to protect American citizens from what she called “reckless incompetence.”
The specifics of the bill’s drug testing policy are not publicly available, leaving some details unclear. Drug policy reform advocates typically oppose employment-based drug testing, arguing it can lead to economic punishment and does not necessarily reflect a person’s job performance.
Interestingly, Musk had previously expressed support for drug testing all federal employees, which aligns with Sherrill’s proposal. Her office highlighted Musk’s known use of the dissociative anesthetic ketamine. According to the press release, government officials who manage sensitive information are usually required to pass drug tests and may be subject to random screenings to ensure compliance with the law.
Sherrill’s bill aims to establish the same drug testing requirements for Musk and other special government employees, ensuring they maintain access to sensitive information. Despite restrictions against federal employees using Schedule I drugs like marijuana, legal experts have noted that a potential reclassification of cannabis to Schedule III by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) could change current prohibitions.
Musk’s past actions, including smoking marijuana during an appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast, have raised eyebrows, especially since he leads a federally contracted aerospace company, SpaceX. Additionally, he has publicly criticized the effectiveness of CBD, calling it overhyped and stating it “doesn’t do anything.”
As DOGE continues its efforts to reduce government spending, it recently highlighted its cancellation of various federal initiatives.
