Elon Musk engaged in a public dispute with California Governor Gavin Newsom after Newsom’s press office mocked Musk’s relationship with his estranged daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson. The confrontation unfolded on social media, highlighting the tensions surrounding Musk’s family dynamics and his views on gender identity.
Newsom’s press office shared a video posted by America PAC, a super political action committee associated with Musk, where the governor discussed his commitment to protecting transgender children and emphasized his record of signing pro-trans legislation. In a repost of the video on platform X, the Newsom press office added a provocative comment: “Correct. We’re sorry your daughter hates you, Elon.”
Musk quickly responded, clarifying, “I assume you’re referring to my son, Xavier,” and criticized Newsom’s remarks as part of what he termed the “woke mind virus.” He expressed concern for his child, describing her situation as a “tragic mental illness” and reaffirmed, “I love Xavier very much and hope he recovers.” Musk also stated that his daughters “do indeed love me very much,” indicating that the relationship with his family remains complex.
Vivian Jenna Wilson, previously known as Xavier Musk, is now 21 years old and has distanced herself from her father by legally changing her name and gender. She adopted her mother’s maiden name to further separate her identity from Musk. In a note to family members, Wilson expressed her desire for them not to inform Musk about her transition directly, a decision that has fueled ongoing public discourse.
In an August 2025 appearance on a show hosted by drag performer Maddy Morphosis, Wilson publicly rejected Musk’s claims, stating that she does not feel responsible for his political beliefs or public persona. Musk’s previous comments have drawn significant backlash, especially when he stated that his “son” was “dead” after approving documents for Wilson’s gender-affirming care.
This public feud not only highlights personal family dynamics but also underscores the broader cultural debates surrounding gender identity and parental relationships in contemporary society. As the dialogue continues, both Musk and Newsom remain at the forefront of these contentious issues.
