From Tesla events to the White House: Why Elon Musk takes his kids to high-profile events — Fatherly love or publicity move?

A search for Elon Musk yields millions of results, but one recurring topic is his children. The Tesla CEO, who also owns social media platform X (formerly Twitter), has 12 children. And public fascination with his kids continues to grow.

Recently, influencer Ashley St. Clair even claimed to be the mother of Musk’s 13th child. Musk frequently takes his children to high-profile meetings, from the Oval Office to global summits, sparking viral moments and debates about his intentions.

Elon Musk and his 4-year-old son at the White House

On February 11, Musk appeared in the Oval Office with President Donald Trump, accompanied by his four-year-old son, X. The toddler stole the spotlight in unexpected ways.


As Musk discussed government efficiency, X stood at the Resolute Desk, picking his nose, telling Trump he needed to pee, and at one point, even saying, “You’re not the president; go away.”

This was not an isolated incident. A few days later, Musk took X and his two siblings to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Blair House, where the children received gifts.

X has also been seen at Tesla’s Texas Gigafactory and at a meeting with Hungarian President Katalin Novak on global demographics.

In 2022, he roamed Twitter’s (now X’s) headquarters while Musk discussed its future. Even in 2015, Musk’s five children were present at a Tesla facility unveiling.

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A devoted father or a publicity move?

To Musk’s supporters, these appearances show his dedication as a father. Many say that showcasing his children presents a more humane side of the billionaire. His ex-partner, Grimes, has said Musk sees X as his heir and takes him to events to prepare him for the future. Biographer Walter Isaacson also describes Musk as obsessed with his children and deeply involved in their lives.

But not everyone is convinced. Some believe Musk’s decision to take his children into the public eye is strategic — a way to soften his image or distract from controversies. Professor Kurt Braddock says that this tactic is common among politicians, who use family for optics. Others compare Musk’s behaviour to that of parent influencers who use their children to improve their brand.

The ethics of public exposure

Musk’s decision to parade his children in public raises ethical concerns. Critics say the children may not have a say in their exposure and are being used as props. Former Senate counsel Emily Amick calls it a “pro-family propaganda” move, while journalist Arwa Mahdawi describes it as “self-serving.”

Perhaps Musk should take inspiration from former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. In 2018, she took her baby to the UN General Assembly, but in a way that respected her child’s privacy. Musk’s approach, however, continues to spark debate.

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FAQs

1. Why does Elon Musk take his children to meetings?
Elon Musk often takes his children, especially his son, to business meetings and events. Supporters see this as a sign of his dedication to fatherhood, while critics say it is a strategic move to improve his public image.


2. Has Elon Musk’s decision to take his children to events faced criticism?
Yes, many believe Musk uses his children as a distraction or a publicity tool. Experts suggest it is a tactic to appear more relatable, while some, including his former partner Grimes, have expressed concerns about their public exposure.