Grimes, the Canadian singer, and Elon Musk's ex-partner experienced an overwhelming emotional reaction when watching Dune (2021). In the portrayal of Paul Atreides, a young man burdened with the immense responsibility of ruling and saving a planet, Grimes saw a reflection of her own son, X Æ A-Xii, lovingly referred to as X. This emotional response was rooted in her fear for her child, especially given the way Musk has publicly positioned X as his “heir apparent.” Musk, the world’s richest man and the CEO of both Tesla and SpaceX, frequently showcases his son as a fixture in his high-profile life. The 4-year-old has accompanied Musk to a variety of important meetings and events, from sitting in the Oval Office to attending global discussions with astronauts, world leaders, and heads of state. For many, X’s role in Musk’s public life seems not just symbolic but also strategically important.
Musk’s decision to involve his children in public events has long been part of his persona, helping to present a picture of a family-oriented billionaire. Despite his history of multiple relationships and two highly publicized divorces, Musk seems to be using his children—especially X—to craft an image of a doting, involved father. X’s first words, “car, rocket, daddy,” reflect the powerful influence Musk has had on his son’s life, underscoring Musk’s identity as both a tech mogul and a proud father. In 2015, Musk’s other children were seen running and playing through a Tesla event in Silicon Valley, further cementing the image of Musk as a father deeply involved in the lives of his children. Musk has also been seen with his children during key moments, such as when Prime Minister Narendra Modi met him. Yet, it is X who seems to be receiving the most public attention.
From the moment of his birth, Musk’s biographer, Walter Isaacson, notes that Musk recognized something "special" about X. Musk was drawn to X’s "otherworldly sweetness," an aura that calmed and beguiled him. Given Musk’s tumultuous upbringing in an abusive household, it’s likely that his bond with X provides Musk with a sense of comfort and stability that he has long craved. In many ways, X represents a fresh start for Musk, one that provides the emotional grounding he may have lacked in his earlier years.
Musk’s insistence on having X accompany him to meetings, events, and premieres may also be interpreted as a deliberate strategy to soften his image. In a world where billionaires like Musk are often viewed as cold, calculating, and distant, Musk’s public displays of affection for X help him appear more relatable, more "human." Musk has always been keen on controlling his public image, whether it's in the tech world with SpaceX and Tesla or in the political arena, where he has wielded considerable influence, notably playing a key role in Donald Trump’s election. Musk has also shown a keen understanding of the power of optics, and his constant displays of family life seem designed to project an image of him as a loving father.
There is an increasing view that Musk’s public life with X is, in part, a carefully planned strategy. As Kurt Braddock, a professor of public communication at American University, notes, Musk’s public displays of fatherhood serve to humanize him in the eyes of the public. Braddock sees it as a “political move” that helps Musk seem more approachable, aiming to soften his sometimes harsh, “alpha-male” persona. This strategy, in turn, makes Musk appear more relatable to a wider audience, including the general public and, perhaps, potential investors.
Jon Haber, a strategic communication consultant, suggests that Musk’s portrayal of himself as a family man is a distraction from the more complex aspects of his life and business endeavors. By flooding the media with moments involving his children, Musk creates a sense of chaos that diverts attention from more pressing matters, a tactic that benefits not only Musk but also figures like Donald Trump. The more Musk is seen as a father, the less the public focuses on the controversies and intricacies surrounding his companies or personal life.
There’s also an interesting element to how Musk and X are perceived in public. U.S. President Joe Biden has called X a “high IQ individual,” while Musk has referred to him as his "emotional support human." This unique dynamic has added another layer to Musk’s public image. For Musk, X seems to be more than just a child; he’s a symbol of emotional grounding, a link to Musk’s own identity, and a visible representation of his softer side.
Musk’s social media has also been a key platform for showcasing his life with X. One famous moment was when Musk posted a photo of X at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, mirroring the iconic image of John F. Kennedy Jr. playing under the desk. Musk has enjoyed the attention these images have garnered, responding with playful emojis and captions that further reinforce the image of him as a loving and engaged father. Musk also responded to a post by venture capitalist Katherine Boyle, who shared a similar sentiment: "Normalise children being everywhere," with a side-by-side comparison of X in the Oval Office. Musk’s comment, consisting of a heart and smiley emoji, was part of his broader efforts to present an image of family togetherness, even amid serious political and business discussions.
However, Musk’s displays of fatherhood are not always seen as entirely innocent. In January 2024, Musk was photographed carrying X on his shoulders at Auschwitz, a memorial site that explicitly advises against allowing children under 14. This incident sparked some controversy, as many felt that such a solemn site was not appropriate for young children. Musk’s decision to bring X to such a site could be seen as part of his broader efforts to construct his image as a compassionate father figure, even in places where it might seem out of place.
Musk’s relationship with his older children, especially his daughter Vivian Jenna Wilson, has been more complex. Vivian legally changed her name and distanced herself from Musk, citing her gender identity and a desire to separate from her biological father due to his controversial views. Musk has expressed frustration over this estrangement, labeling it a result of the “woke virus.” In contrast, X, still very young, seems to represent an idealized version of Musk’s legacy—one that he can mold and shape without the complications that have affected his other relationships.
Ultimately, X may not just be Musk’s biological extension but a reflection of his identity and his public persona. The young child has become a key figure in Musk's carefully constructed image, which blends his roles as a tech mogul, political influencer, and doting father. Whether Musk is consciously using X for strategic reasons or simply has a deep emotional connection with his son is unclear, but X has undeniably become a major part of Musk’s public and private life. Through X, Musk may not only be shaping his legacy but also presenting the world with his “X-factor”—a child who embodies both his image and the future Musk envisions for himself and his ventures.
