Elon Musk, known for his groundbreaking ventures in technology and space, has recently made headlines for a different reason: his children. Musk, a father of 12, has brought his young family to the forefront of political and public life since being appointed by former President Donald Trump to lead the Department of Government Efficiency. Frequently seen in Washington, D.C., these children have become an interesting element of Musk's professional world, sparking discussions about their role and the impact they have on political dynamics.
Musk's four-year-old son, affectionately known as "Lil X," has been particularly prominent. Dubbed an "emotional support human" by Musk, Lil X has accompanied his father to numerous high-profile events and meetings. During a recent 30-minute press briefing in the Oval Office, Lil X appeared visibly bored, even mimicking his father's posture by sitting on the floor. Such appearances have raised eyebrows, with some considering it an unusual decision to bring a preschooler into serious political settings.
"With his own children, his lovers, his wives, there is the same intensity that is baked into everything he does." – Walter Isaacson
Musk's children have had the rare opportunity to visit places many only dream of, including the Oval Office, meetings with foreign dignitaries, and the control room of a SpaceX launch. During one notable occasion, Lil X and two siblings exchanged gifts with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi while Musk engaged in discussions on technology and innovation. These moments have not only highlighted Musk's dedication to his children but have also brought about a relaxed and joyous atmosphere in typically formal settings, with the children often seen running through hallways with laughter.
However, not everyone shares Musk's enthusiasm for involving his children in the spotlight. Grimes, Musk's ex-girlfriend and mother of Lil X, criticized her son's presence in such high-profile environments. In a 2022 Vanity Fair article, she expressed her disapproval of Lil X's exposure to public life.
"Whatever is going on with family stuff, I just feel like kids need to stay out of it…" – (unattributed)
Walter Isaacson, who penned Musk's biography, noted that Musk is "deeply committed" to his children and is "almost obsessed by them." This commitment often translates into having them accompany him on his professional journey. For Musk, having his children around seems less about calmness and more about companionship.
"He always likes having some of his children around him. He always likes having a companion, but that doesn't mean that he likes calmness." – Walter Isaacson
Strategic communication consultant Jon Haber suggested that Musk's frequent appearances with his children could benefit Trump by creating distractions that serve both parties' interests. The presence of Musk's children diverts attention from other political matters, aligning with Trump's penchant for chaos.
"For Trump, the more chaos, the more he floods the zone, the less anybody can really focus on. Chaos works for him." – Jon Haber
Kurt Braddock, a professor at American University, views Musk's decision to involve his children in public life as a calculated move to humanize himself and connect with the public on a more personal level.
"The inclusion of the kids in many public appearances is very much a politician move or a political move to make him seem a bit more personable (and) take a human approach to how the public views him." – Kurt Braddock
"I do think that there is a bit of a strategy here trying to draw attention to some things while diverting attention to other things." – Kurt Braddock