A wild rumor has taken the internet by storm, claiming that Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI, is secretly preparing his four-year-old son, X Æ A-Xii, affectionately known as “Lil X,” to lead humanity using alleged extraterrestrial DNA. The shocking claim, which surfaced on X in July 2025, has sparked a frenzy of speculation, memes, and heated debates. While Musk is no stranger to outlandish headlines—often fueled by his own cryptic comments about being a “time-traveling vampire alien”—this latest theory pushes the boundaries of even his eccentric persona. With no concrete evidence to support the extraterrestrial angle, the story reflects Musk’s larger-than-life influence and the public’s fascination with his unconventional family life.

The Origin of the Rumor

The claim first gained traction after a series of viral posts on X, where users speculated that Musk’s focus on his son Lil X, coupled with his outspoken views on population decline and space colonization, hinted at a grander, almost sci-fi agenda. The rumor suggested that Musk, through advanced genetic technologies like CRISPR or undisclosed methods at Neuralink, his neurotechnology company, had engineered Lil X’s DNA with “extraterrestrial” traits to create a superhuman leader. The narrative pointed to Musk’s frequent appearances with Lil X, including a high-profile moment in the Oval Office on February 11, 2025, where the four-year-old stole the spotlight during a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) briefing. President Donald Trump’s comment calling Lil X a “high-IQ individual” added fuel to the conspiracy, with some interpreting it as a nod to extraordinary abilities.

Musk’s own playful remarks haven’t helped quell the speculation. At the 2024 Viva Tech event in Paris, he jokingly claimed, “I am an alien, but nobody believes me,” and later quipped on X that his profile, humorously “verified since 3000 BCE,” proved he was a “time-traveling vampire alien.” These comments, while tongue-in-cheek, have been seized upon by theorists who tie them to Musk’s obsession with colonizing Mars and his belief that humanity must become a “multi-planetary species” to survive. The idea that Lil X, born to Musk and musician Grimes in May 2020, could be a genetically enhanced prodigy designed to lead this interplanetary future has captivated conspiracy circles.

Musk’s Pronatalist Vision

Central to the rumor is Musk’s well-documented pronatalist stance. He has repeatedly warned that population decline is “the biggest danger civilization faces,” advocating for intelligent individuals to have more children. Musk himself has fathered 14 children with four women, including Lil X, his siblings Exa Dark Sideræl and Techno Mechanicus with Grimes, and twins Strider and Azure, plus daughter Arcadia and son Seldon Lycurgus with Neuralink executive Shivon Zilis. His commitment to expanding his family, often through IVF and surrogacy, has been framed by some as a mission to propagate “superior” genetics, though Musk has denied any eugenics-like intent.

The extraterrestrial DNA claim seems to stem from a misinterpretation of Musk’s interest in genetic technologies. In February 2025, a fabricated post attributed to conservative influencer Ashley St. Clair, who revealed she had a son, Romulus, with Musk, falsely claimed they used CRISPR to enhance their baby’s DNA with “traits from other organisms.” A spokesperson for St. Clair debunked the post, confirming no such claim was made on her X account. Yet, the idea that Musk might leverage Neuralink or other biotech advancements to engineer exceptional offspring persists, fueled by his investments in AI and neurotechnology aimed at enhancing human capabilities.

Debunking the Extraterrestrial Angle

Despite the buzz, no credible evidence supports the notion of extraterrestrial DNA. Musk has consistently dismissed claims of alien encounters, stating in 2024 that SpaceX’s 6,000 Starlink satellites have “not once had to maneuver around a UFO.” He’s also expressed skepticism about alien visits to Earth, though he remains open to the possibility of ancient alien civilizations elsewhere in the galaxy. The “extraterrestrial DNA” narrative appears to be a conflation of Musk’s futuristic ambitions—such as Neuralink’s brain-computer interfaces and xAI’s AI development—with conspiracy theories about his personal life.

Lil X’s public appearances, from election night with the Trump family to Capitol Hill visits, have only amplified his mystique. Described by Musk as “a great guy” with a “cool chain,” the toddler’s precocious behavior, like mimicking his father’s gestures, has been interpreted by some as evidence of unusual intelligence. However, these moments are more likely a reflection of Musk’s hands-on parenting style than any sci-fi plot. Grimes, too, has emphasized keeping their children out of the public eye, underscoring a desire for normalcy despite the spotlight.

A Cultural Phenomenon

The rumor reflects Musk’s unique ability to inspire both awe and skepticism. His polarizing persona—part tech visionary, part provocateur—invites speculation, especially when paired with his ambitious goals for humanity’s future. While the extraterrestrial DNA claim is baseless, it underscores the public’s fascination with Musk’s family and his influence over technology and culture. As Mindhunter Season 3 looms and Musk’s real-life drama continues to unfold, Lil X remains an endearing, if unwitting, figure in a narrative that’s equal parts absurd and captivating.