A war of words erupted on social media this week between Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s press office, after the governor’s team took a personal jab at Musk involving his transgender child — prompting a blistering response from the billionaire entrepreneur.
The dispute began after America PAC, a political action committee associated with Musk, reposted a clip from The Ezra Klein Show in which Newsom declared, “There’s no governor that’s done more pro-trans legislation than I have.” The comment resurfaced amid renewed attention on Newsom’s recent break with some Democrats over the issue of transgender athletes competing in women’s sports.
During the inaugural episode of his new podcast, “This Is Gavin Newsom,” the Democratic governor told Turning Point USA CEO Charlie Kirk that allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports was “deeply unfair,” a statement that drew national attention and sparked debate across party lines.
Instead of addressing the policy disagreement, Newsom’s press office responded directly to America PAC on X, the platform owned by Musk, with a pointed remark:
“Correct. We’re sorry your daughter hates you, Elon.”
The post referenced Musk’s transgender child, Vivian Jenna Wilson, formerly known as Xavier.
Musk Fires Back
Musk responded forcefully, rejecting the characterization and doubling down on his long-standing criticism of gender ideology and medical interventions for minors.
“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,” Musk wrote.
“I love Xavier very much and hope he recovers.”
The billionaire went on to clarify that he does not recognize Wilson as his daughter, adding:
“My daughters are Azure, Exa (she goes by Y) and Arcadia, and they do indeed love me very much.”
Musk later pinned a separate post to his X profile stating:
“If you have a womb, you are a woman. Otherwise, you are not.”
A History of Public Opposition to Gender Transitions for Minors
The exchange reignited attention on Musk’s past comments about transgender issues, particularly involving children. In a 2024 interview with psychologist Dr. Jordan Peterson, Musk said he was “essentially tricked” into signing documents allowing his child to receive puberty blockers during the COVID pandemic.
“There was a lot of confusion,” Musk said at the time.
“I was told my son might commit suicide if I didn’t.”
Musk also addressed the concept of “deadnaming,” saying:
“They call it deadnaming for a reason. My son Xavier is dead — killed by the woke mind virus.”
He concluded that interview by vowing to fight what he describes as radical gender ideology, saying he had “vowed to destroy the woke mind virus.”
Political Fallout and Backlash
The spat drew immediate reaction online, with conservatives accusing Newsom’s press office of crossing a line by attacking Musk’s family, while progressives condemned Musk’s comments as inflammatory and harmful.
Several political observers noted that the exchange highlights growing tensions within the Democratic Party over transgender policy — particularly in sports — and underscores Musk’s increasing willingness to engage directly in cultural and political battles.
Neither Gov. Newsom nor his press office has issued further clarification or apology for the post.
Broader Culture War Continues
The clash marks yet another flashpoint in the ongoing national debate over gender identity, parental rights, and the role of government in children’s medical decisions — a debate that continues to dominate headlines ahead of the 2026 election cycle.
As Musk and Newsom remain on opposite sides of the issue, the episode underscores how deeply personal and politically charged the conversation has become — even at the highest levels of power.
Fox News Digital reached out to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office for comment.
