Elon Musk and Governor Gavin Newsom Clash Over Transgender Rights in Heated Social Media Exchange
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — A public dispute erupted on social media between Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, and California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office, centering on transgender rights and Musk’s estranged transgender child. The exchange unfolded on X, the social media platform owned by Musk, highlighting the ongoing cultural and political tensions surrounding transgender issues in the United States.
The controversy began when Musk’s America PAC reposted a clip from Newsom’s appearance on “The Ezra Klein Show,” where the governor asserted, “There’s no governor that’s done more pro-trans legislation than I have.” Newsom made the statement while discussing his stance on transgender athletes competing in women’s sports, a topic on which he has diverged from many Democrats by calling it “deeply unfair.”
In response to the repost, Newsom’s press office fired back with a pointed remark, writing on X, “Correct. We’re sorry your daughter hates you, Elon.” This comment referred to Musk’s transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who has publicly distanced herself from Musk.
Musk quickly replied with a sharp rebuttal, refusing to acknowledge Wilson as his daughter. Instead, he wrote, “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.” Musk further clarified that his daughters are Azure, Exa (who goes by Y), and Arcadia, and said they “do indeed love me very much.”
The Tesla and SpaceX CEO also pinned a post on his profile stating, “If you have a womb, you are a woman. Otherwise, you are not.” Musk has been outspoken about his opposition to gender-affirming treatments for minors. In a 2024 interview with Dr. Jordan Peterson, Musk revealed that he was “essentially tricked” into consenting to puberty blockers for his son Xavier, who had been diagnosed with gender dysphoria. Musk recounted being told Xavier might commit suicide without the treatment amid the confusion of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This exchange between Musk and Newsom comes amid broader national debates over transgender rights, especially concerning youth and sports participation. Governor Newsom has championed pro-trans legislation in California but has taken a more conservative stance on transgender athletes competing in women’s sports, breaking with many in his party.
The governor’s office did not immediately respond to requests for further comment. Meanwhile, Musk’s remarks have reignited discussions about the mental health challenges faced by transgender youth and the role of parental consent in medical decisions.
For more on transgender rights legislation and policies, see the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The ongoing debate about sports and gender identity is also covered by the NCAA. For insights into mental health resources for transgender individuals, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers guidance and support.
The clash between Musk and Newsom underscores the deeply personal and politically charged nature of transgender issues in America today, with prominent figures on both sides voicing strong and often conflicting views.
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