Gavin Newsom Uses Elon Musk’s Trans Child to Attack Him

Elon Musk responded publicly this week after California Gov. Gavin Newsom took a personal shot at the billionaire entrepreneur while defending his record on transgender-related policies, prompting backlash from several public figures.

The exchange began after Newsom posted comments defending his support for transgender health care and legislation.

In a video shared online, the Democratic governor cited his personal connections and legislative actions while discussing the issue.

“I want to see trans kids; I have a trans godson. There’s no governor that’s done more pro-trans legislation than I have, and nobody has been a stronger advocate,” Newsom said in the video.

Alongside the video, Newsom added a comment that referenced Musk’s relationship with his transgender-identifying son, Xavier.

“Correct. We’re sorry your daughter hates you, Elon,” Newsom wrote.

Correct. We’re sorry your daughter hates you, Elon. https://t.co/HeJIm5fJMS

— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) December 11, 2025

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

The remark drew immediate attention online, with critics describing it as a personal attack unrelated to policy.

Musk responded directly to the governor on X, addressing both the comment and his family.

“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 in response.

“I love Xavier very much and hope he recovers,” Musk added.

“My daughters are Azure, Exa (she goes by Y) and Arcadia, and they do indeed love me very much.”

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.

My daughters are Azure, Exa (she goes by Y) and Arcadia, and they do indeed love me…

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 12, 2025

The exchange quickly escalated as other prominent figures weighed in, criticizing Newsom’s comment and the tone of the post.

Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas responded directly to the governor.

“Sick bastard. Gavin, tell your henchmen to leave kids alone,” Cruz wrote.

Sick bastard. Gavin, tell your henchmen to leave kids alone. https://t.co/EpfoJoATwO

— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) December 12, 2025

Palantir founder Jon Lonsdale also condemned the remark, calling it inappropriate for an elected official.

“This is raw evil, from a government account. I will do anything I can to stop this cretin from gaining more political power,” Lonsdale wrote.

This is raw evil, from a government account.

I will do anything I can to stop this cretin from gaining more political power. https://t.co/VATWBjJ3KC

— Joe Lonsdale (@JTLonsdale) December 12, 2025

Kaylee White of Fox News criticized the broader implications of the comment, tying it to ongoing cultural debates over gender ideology and family relationships.

“One of the primary motivations of the Left in pushing gender ideology onto children is to divide them from their parents and undercut the family unit. They relish in it and will not stop no matter how many elections they lose,” White wrote.

One of the primary motivations of the Left in pushing gender ideology onto children is to divide them from their parents and undercut the family unit. They relish in it and will not stop no matter how many elections they lose. https://t.co/V5HVqux5VW

— Kaylee McGhee White (@KayleeDMcGhee) December 12, 2025

Actor Dean Cain also reacted to the post, writing simply, “Most vile of vile.”

Most vile of vile. https://t.co/qaNwqCbdJl

— Dean Cain (@RealDeanCain) December 12, 2025

The dispute comes as Newsom continues to raise his national profile.

The California governor is widely viewed as a potential contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028.

According to a recent poll, Newsom currently garners 24 percent support among Democratic voters.

That places him just behind former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who received 28 percent support in the same poll.

Musk, the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and owner of X, has frequently criticized progressive policies related to gender identity, particularly as they relate to children.

His comments on the subject have often drawn sharp responses from Democratic officials and activists.

The public exchange highlighted ongoing tensions between prominent business leaders and Democratic politicians over transgender policies, as well as the increasingly personal nature of political disputes conducted on social media platforms.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.