Elon Musk and Gavin Newsom Clash Over Transgender Policy Amidst Personal History

A public confrontation has intensified between tech mogul Elon Musk and California Governor Gavin Newsom, centered on policies regarding transgender transitions. This dispute is deeply interwoven with Musk’s personal life, particularly his relationship with his daughter, Vivienne Jenna Wilson. Musk, who helms major corporations including Tesla, SpaceX, and X Corp., has seen his political leanings shift noticeably toward conservative viewpoints in recent years.

Historically, Tesla had demonstrated strong support for the LGBTQ community. For seven consecutive years leading up to 2020, the company achieved a perfect score of 100/100 on the Corporate Equality Index. This established corporate stance now contrasts sharply with Musk’s evolving public commentary on gender identity issues.

Musk’s shift in rhetoric regarding gender issues became evident early on. In July 2020, he posted a provocative statement on Twitter: “Pronouns suck.” By April 2023, his stance had hardened significantly. Following Florida’s law restricting gender-affirming procedures for minors under 18, Musk suggested life imprisonment for parents and doctors who facilitate such transitions for minors.

The personal dimension of this conflict is considerable. In 2022, Musk’s daughter, Vivienne Wilson, legally changed her gender. Reports indicate that this event led to a cessation of contact between father and daughter. Musk allegedly attributed her decision to a “woke virus” and claimed he had been misled regarding the necessity of the medical procedures.

Amidst this personal drama, Musk has directed his criticism toward media companies. For instance, in October 2025, he called for a boycott of Netflix, citing the inclusion of transgender characters in children’s programming, such as the 2022 series “Dead End: Paranormal Park.” Meanwhile, Governor Gavin Newsom, a politician traditionally aligned with progressive causes and a staunch defender of LGBTQ rights, is showing subtle shifts in his messaging.

Newsom’s progressive credentials are well-established. As Mayor of San Francisco in 2004, he famously began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, defying existing state law at the time. This history makes his recent comments more noteworthy.

However, during a recent podcast appearance with conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, Newsom admitted that the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports presents a “deeply unfair” situation regarding competitive equity. This admission marks a noticeable divergence from the mainstream positions held by many of his Democratic colleagues. Newsom, often speculated about as a potential presidential candidate for the 2028 election, appears to be strategically adjusting his rhetoric.

The friction between Musk and Newsom is further fueled by California legislation. In July 2024, Newsom signed bill AB1955 into law, which prohibits schools from informing parents about a child’s social transition. Musk vehemently criticized this law, labeling it the “last straw.” Critics argue this legislation risks keeping parents in the dark about their children’s gender identity and potential medical pathways.

Musk, who reportedly provided substantial backing—around $75 million—to Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign, has previously warned that such laws could prompt SpaceX to relocate its headquarters to Texas. In a related development, Vivienne Musk has voiced apprehensions about the potential impact of a Trump victory on the LGBTQ community, stating her intention to leave the United States should that occur.

The escalating feud between Musk and Newsom serves as a microcosm of the broader cultural and political battles currently unfolding across the United States. These struggles highlight how deeply personal convictions and family dynamics are shaping public policy and the stances taken by highly influential public figures.