Elon Musk Clashes with Gavin Newsom Over Transgender Issues

Elon Musk has engaged in a heated exchange with California Governor Gavin Newsom regarding issues surrounding transgender rights and his child’s identity. The controversy began after Musk’s America PAC shared a clip of Newsom discussing his pro-transgender legislation on “The Ezra Klein Show.” Newsom claimed, “There’s no governor that’s done more pro-trans legislation than I have,” particularly addressing the topic of transgender athletes in women’s sports.

The confrontation escalated when Newsom’s press office responded to Musk’s commentary, stating, “Correct. We’re sorry your daughter hates you, Elon.” This remark prompted Musk to clarify his relationship with his transgender child, whom he refers to as Xavier rather than Vivian Jenna Wilson. In a pointed response, Musk tweeted, “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’s statements reflect his ongoing concerns about the influence of progressive ideologies on youth. He has been vocal about his views on minors receiving gender-affirming care, alleging that he was misled into consenting for Xavier to begin puberty blockers. During a 2024 interview with Dr. Jordan Peterson, Musk described the experience as a moment of confusion and pressure, stating he was told Xavier might contemplate suicide if he did not proceed with the treatment.

The Tesla CEO expressed further distress over what he termed “deadnaming,” a practice where a transgender individual is referred to by their birth name. Musk lamented, “I lost my son, essentially. They call it deadnaming for a reason. The reason it’s called ‘deadnaming’ is because your son is dead. So, my son Xavier is dead, killed by the woke mind virus.” He emphasized his commitment to combating what he perceives as harmful ideologies affecting children.

Musk’s remarks have sparked widespread debate about parental rights, mental health, and the implications of gender identity discussions within society. His assertive stance against what he labels as the “woke mind virus” indicates a broader cultural clash over gender issues, particularly in the context of youth and family dynamics.

The exchange between Musk and Newsom illustrates the ongoing tensions in American politics regarding gender identity and the rights of transgender individuals. As both figures wield considerable influence—Musk in technology and business, and Newsom in state governance—their dispute highlights the complexities of navigating these sensitive issues in a polarized environment.

As the conversation surrounding gender rights continues to evolve, Musk’s and Newsom’s public exchanges will likely remain focal points in the larger dialogue on transgender legislation and parental involvement in medical decisions.