Elon Musk Claims Trans Son Has 'Tragic Mental Illness' In Newsom Feud

Elon Musk has reignited controversy after claiming his estranged transgender child has a 'tragic mental illness', a remark made during a sharp online clash with California Governor Gavin Newsom.

The comment, posted on X on Thursday, 12 December 2025, followed a political exchange over transgender rights but quickly escalated into a profoundly personal dispute.

As the billionaire and the governor traded barbs, Musk's words drew widespread criticism and renewed attention on his long-running rift with his child, now known as Vivian Jenna Wilson.

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Elon Musk Said Trans Son Is Mentally Ill

The dispute intensified after Newsom was quoted as saying he aimed to support trans youth and had backed major legislation for them. His statement circulated widely.

The Governor Newsom Press Office then added a blunt remark. It said Musk's 'daughter hates' him. Musk responded to that message. He noted Newsom's team was referring to his child, Xavier Alexander Musk.

He said Xavier had 'a tragic mental illness' caused by what he called an ideological influence on young people. He added that he cared about Xavier and hoped for his recovery.

That exchange brought the feud into the national spotlight. Musk's comment came shortly after another X post that criticised pronoun use. He questioned how pronouns rose to mainstream attention.

He also shared a lengthy explanation that listed activists who helped spread pronoun culture. The post drew quick reactions and heightened tension in his clash with Newsom.

Musk Clarified His Daughters Love Him

Musk then shifted the focus to his daughters. He said they all loved him. He named Azure, Exa, who goes by Y, and Arcadia. He said the remark from Newsom's team was false. This moved the discussion away from policy and towards family matters. It also drew strong reactions.

Many users condemned the post from Newsom's team. They argued that children should not be dragged into political disputes.

Several users said the comment was cruel. Others expressed concern over Musk's words about Xavier. They defended his child and questioned his public remarks.

The exchange highlighted how personal issues surfaced in a political debate.

Musk Not On Good Terms With Trans Son

Musk's relationship with his transgender child has been strained for years. Vivian Jenna Wilson, who was born as Xavier Alexander Musk, has spoken about their rift.

She said Musk was distant when she was younger. She also said he had been unkind about her identity. Wilson explained the situation in a phone interview last year. She said she felt forced to defend herself after Musk spoke publicly about her.

Past statements from Musk worsened the divide. He denied Vivian's gender identity and said she was no longer part of his life.

Their separation became formal in 2022 when Vivian filed to change her name and gender. She also said she did not want ties with Musk.

Where Is Xavier Musk Now?

Vivian now lives under the name Vivian Jenna Wilson and uses she/her pronouns. She has distanced herself entirely from Musk.

Her stance, however, remains unchanged. She lives her life independently, away from the online conflict surrounding her father.

Despite her absence from this latest social media controversy and commentary, the clash between Musk and Newsom has once again placed her at the centre of a highly charged public debate, one she has consistently sought to avoid.