Grimes, the Canadian musician and former partner of Elon Musk, has publicly expressed her disapproval after Musk brought their 4-year-old son, X Æ A-Xii (nicknamed “X”), to a White House press conference with President Donald Trump. The event, held in the Oval Office, was organized to discuss the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative led by Musk.
During the press conference, young X was observed engaging in typical childlike behavior, such as picking his nose and whispering to President Trump. These moments were captured by the media and quickly circulated online. Grimes responded to a social media post praising X’s politeness during the event, stating, “He should not be in public like this. I did not see this, thank u for alerting me. But I’m glad he was polite. Sigh.”
This incident has intensified the ongoing public dispute between Grimes and Musk regarding the exposure of their children to the media and public events. Since their separation in 2021, Grimes has consistently emphasized her desire to keep their children’s lives private. In a previous statement, she highlighted her efforts to shield them from public scrutiny, expressing that she has “tried to shield them from public exposure.”
The couple’s relationship has been marked by both collaboration and contention. They began dating in 2018 and have three children together: X Æ A-Xii, Exa Dark Sideræl (nicknamed “Y”), and Techno Mechanicus (nicknamed “Tau”). Following their split, Grimes has been vocal about her disagreements with Musk’s decisions, especially those involving their children. In October 2023, she filed a petition against Musk to establish parental rights, indicating ongoing legal disputes over custody and decision-making.
Grimes has also publicly distanced herself from Musk’s political activities and affiliations. In January 2025, following Musk’s controversial salute during Trump’s inauguration, she stated, “I am not him. I will not make a statement every time he does something.” She further emphasized her stance by denouncing Nazism and the far alt-right, clarifying that her views are independent of Musk’s actions.
The recent Oval Office incident has sparked discussions about the ethics of involving young children in high-profile political events. Critics argue that such exposure can infringe upon a child’s right to privacy and may subject them to undue public scrutiny. Grimes’ reaction underscores the challenges parents face in balancing public life with the need to protect their children’s well-being.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how Grimes and Musk will navigate their co-parenting responsibilities amidst their public profiles. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved when personal and public lives intersect, especially concerning the upbringing of young children.
