‘Xavier is my son’: Elon Musk attacks Gavin Newsom for calling his child a daughter

Elon Musk has sharply criticised California Governor Gavin Newsom after the governor’s press office referred to Musk’s transgender child as a daughter. Responding on X, Musk wrote, “I assume you’re referring to my son, Xavier,” before claiming that his child has a “tragic mental illness caused by the evil woke mind virus you push on vulnerable children.” He added that he loves Xavier “very much” and hopes he “recovers.”

In the same post, Musk said he has three daughters, Azure, Exa, who goes by Y, and Arcadia, adding that they “do indeed love me very much.” His comments came as he pushed back strongly against how Newsom’s team described his family.

How the dispute started between Elon Musk and Newsom

The clash began online after a video clip of Newsom discussing California’s support for transgender youth was shared by a political action committee backed by Musk. The governor’s press office responded sarcastically to the clip, referencing Musk’s strained relationship with his transgender child. The reply quickly drew backlash, with many users accusing Newsom’s team of dragging a private family matter into a political dispute.




Musk responded by rejecting the language used by Newsom’s office and expanding his criticism beyond the specific comment. He accused Newsom and his supporters of promoting what he calls a “woke mind virus,” which he claims pressures children into gender transition. Musk has repeatedly argued that minors are being influenced by ideology rather than sound medical evidence, a view he has shared many times in public debates.

A strained family relationship

Musk’s child, Vivian Jenna Wilson, legally changed her name and gender in 2022 and asked to sever ties with her father. Since then, both have spoken publicly about their estrangement. Musk has said he regrets consenting to medical treatment related to her transition, while Wilson has criticised Musk and publicly distanced herself from him.

The exchange reflects a broader political clash between Musk and Newsom. California has passed laws aimed at protecting access to gender-affirming care for minors and shielding families who seek such treatment. Musk, by contrast, has become one of the most prominent critics of youth gender transitions, calling for bans or strict limits based on his personal experience and selected research.

Online backlash and wider debate

The comments from Newsom’s office and Musk’s response triggered thousands of reactions on social media. Some criticised the governor’s team for mocking a family situation, while others defended Newsom’s stance on transgender rights. Musk’s remarks drew strong reactions as well, with supporters backing his concerns about children and critics condemning his language as harmful.