Elon Musk and California Governor Gavin Newsom are currently engaged in a heated public exchange, sparked by comments regarding Musk’s estranged transgender daughter. The dispute began when America PAC, a political action committee established by Musk, shared a clip of Newsom discussing his stance on transgender athletes during an interview with New York Times columnist Ezra Klein. In this discussion, Newsom claimed that he has been a leading advocate for transgender rights, stating, “There’s no governor that’s signed more pro-trans legislation than I have.”
In a pointed response to America PAC’s post, Newsom’s press office tweeted, “Correct. We’re sorry your daughter hates you, Elon.” This rebuttal highlights the increasingly aggressive social media strategy adopted by Newsom’s office, which has drawn comparisons to the combative online presence favored by former President Donald Trump.
Musk reacted directly to the comment, writing in a post, “I assume you’re referring to my son, Xavier, who has a tragic mental illness caused by the evil woke mind virus you push on vulnerable children. I love Xavier very much and hope he recovers.” He further clarified his family dynamics, stating, “My daughters are Azure, Exa (she goes by Y) and Arcadia, and they do indeed love me very much.”
The complex relationship between Musk and his children has been the subject of public scrutiny, particularly following Vivian Jenna Wilson’s decision in 2022 to change her name and gender legally, distancing herself from Musk entirely. In her petition to change her name, she expressed a desire to sever ties with her father, stating that she no longer lives with him or wants to be associated with him in any capacity. Since then, Wilson has publicly criticized Musk, characterizing him as “cartoonishly evil.”
This conflict is not an isolated incident; it mirrors previous feuds between Musk and Newsom, particularly regarding a California law mandating that schools must not inform parents of a student’s gender identity without consent. Signed by Newsom in July 2024, this legislation led Musk to announce moves for his companies, SpaceX and X, out of California, echoing his decision to relocate Tesla’s headquarters to Texas in 2021.
Newsom, in defense of his pro-trans stance, has been vocal about the importance of balancing the rights of the transgender community with the concerns regarding fairness in athletic competition. As the situation unfolds, Newsom’s press office appears poised to maintain its confrontational social media strategy, aiming for rapid engagement with the public.
In light of the escalating tension, this public feud reflects broader societal debates surrounding transgender rights and parental involvement in education, highlighting the ongoing cultural divide over these critical issues.