In the whirlwind of Elon Musk’s high-profile life as a billionaire entrepreneur, inventor, and visionary, one figure has been quietly stealing the spotlight: his four-year-old son, X Æ A-Xii, affectionately known as Lil X. Born in May 2020 to Musk and Canadian musician Grimes, Lil X has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with his uncanny resemblance to his father, both in appearance and spirit. From his playful antics at high-stakes events to his budding curiosity about rockets and technology, Lil X is proving to be a mini replica of the Tesla and SpaceX CEO, sparking fascination and adoration across social media and beyond.

A Star in the Making

Lil X first entered the public eye shortly after his birth, when Musk and Grimes announced his unique name, X Æ A-12 (later adjusted to X Æ A-Xii to comply with California naming laws). The name itself, inspired by Musk’s love for innovation and the unconventional, hinted at the extraordinary life Lil X would lead. Since then, the toddler has become a regular companion to his father at major events, from SpaceX launches to White House visits, charming audiences with his playful demeanor and striking similarity to Musk. Social media posts have exploded with comments like, “Lil X is a mini-Musk in the making!” and “He’s got Elon’s genius genes!”

One of the most memorable moments came on February 11, 2025, when Lil X accompanied Musk to the Oval Office for a news conference alongside President Donald Trump. As Musk discussed the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Lil X stole the show, perched on his father’s shoulders, mimicking his gestures, and even telling the press to “shhh” while his father spoke. At one point, he announced, “Please forgive me, I need to pee,” prompting laughter from Musk and the room. Trump himself dubbed Lil X a “high-IQ individual,” a nod to the toddler’s precocious nature.

A Father-Son Bond in the Spotlight

Musk’s devotion to Lil X is evident in their frequent public appearances together. Whether it’s attending an F1 race in Austin, Texas, or visiting SpaceX headquarters, Musk often brings Lil X along, giving him a front-row seat to groundbreaking technology. In 2021, at just 19 months old, Lil X joined Musk at TIME’s Person of the Year event, sitting on his father’s lap during an interview. Dressed in a tractor-themed sweatshirt, the toddler charmed attendees, showcasing the close bond he shares with his father.

This father-son duo’s resemblance goes beyond physical traits. Lil X has already displayed a fascination with rockets, a passion that mirrors Musk’s lifelong obsession with space exploration. Grimes has shared that Lil X “knows more about rockets than me,” recounting how he had a “three-day PTSD meltdown” after a SpaceX Starship explosion in 2023. Musk himself has noted that Lil X’s first words included “car, rocket, and daddy,” a testament to the environment of innovation and curiosity in which he is being raised.

The Internet’s Favorite “Mini-Musk”

Lil X’s charm has made him a social media sensation. Fans on X have dubbed him Musk’s “emotional support human” and “cuteness prop,” with viral posts highlighting their heartwarming interactions. A video shared by user @iam_smx captured the duo in a playful moment, captioned, “Elon Musk and his son, Lil X: Like Father, Like Son,” earning thousands of likes and comments. Another post by @TONYxTWO humorously referenced the Austin Powers line, “Mini me, you complete me!” alongside a clip of Lil X teasing his father.

However, not all reactions have been positive. Some critics, including Grimes, have expressed concern about Lil X’s frequent public exposure. After his Oval Office appearance, Grimes took to X, stating, “He should not be in public like this,” emphasizing her desire to protect his privacy. Others have accused Musk of using Lil X as a “prop” to soften his public image, particularly amid controversies surrounding his political involvement and business decisions. Despite these criticisms, Musk’s biographer, Walter Isaacson, notes that Musk “craves the presence of his children” and is “deeply committed” to them, suggesting that Lil X’s appearances reflect genuine fatherly affection rather than a calculated strategy.

A Glimpse into the Future

Lil X’s upbringing in the shadow of Musk’s empire raises questions about his future. Will he follow in his father’s footsteps as a tech mogul, perhaps leading SpaceX or Tesla one day? Fans on X have speculated as much, with one user joking, “Think Lil X will grow up and travel to Mars with SpaceX?” While it’s too early to tell, Lil X’s early exposure to engineering meetings and rocket launches suggests he’s absorbing the same innovative spirit that drives his father. Grimes has praised the benefits of children in workspaces, noting that Lil X can “identify obscure rocket designs” and “knows all about grid fins, entry burns, and robots.”

Musk’s belief in large families and population growth, aligned with the pronatalist movement, also shapes the context of Lil X’s life. With 14 children from four women, Musk has created a sprawling family dynamic, though not without complications. His strained relationship with his daughter Vivian, who has publicly distanced herself from him, highlights the challenges of balancing his intense career with fatherhood. Yet, with Lil X, Musk appears to have found a kindred spirit—a “mini-Musk” who embodies his curiosity, boldness, and charisma.

A Symbol of Joy and Humanity

In a world often dominated by Musk’s polarizing persona, Lil X serves as a reminder of his human side. Whether he’s giggling at a SpaceX launch or playfully tugging at his father’s ears in the Oval Office, Lil X brings a sense of joy and authenticity to Musk’s public life. As one X user put it, “Lil X is a bundle of joy, a ray of sunshine, and a true replica of his father.” For now, Lil X remains a beloved figure, captivating the world with his infectious energy and hinting at the potential for greatness that runs in the Musk family.