On April 27, 2025, tech billionaire Elon Musk and his four-year-old son, X Æ A-Xii, affectionately known as “Lil X,” were spotted enjoying a rare public outing at a horse racing event in Los Angeles. The father-son duo’s appearance at the iconic Santa Anita Park drew significant attention, with photos and videos circulating widely on social media platforms like X. Known for blending high-profile work with family moments, Musk’s presence at the event offered a glimpse into his personal life amid his hectic schedule overseeing Tesla, SpaceX, and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This article explores the details of their outing, the public’s reaction, and the broader context of Musk’s public persona as a father and visionary, drawing on online discussions and recent reports.

The Outing: A Day at the Races

The Santa Anita Park, a historic venue in Arcadia, California, hosted a high-profile horse racing event that attracted celebrities, sports enthusiasts, and families. Musk, dressed casually in a black Tesla t-shirt and sunglasses, was seen carrying Lil X on his shoulders as they navigated the bustling grandstands. Lil X, sporting a miniature racing cap and a bright blue jacket, appeared captivated by the thundering hooves and vibrant atmosphere. Eyewitnesses reported to Page Six that Musk arrived mid-afternoon, accompanied by a small entourage, and spent time in a private box overlooking the track, where he explained the races to his son.

Photos shared on X by users like @SoCalVibes captured Musk pointing at the track while Lil X clapped excitedly. One post, which garnered over 1 million views, read, “Elon Musk at Santa Anita with Lil X—proof he’s a cool dad!” Another user, @RaceFanLA, noted, “Lil X was stealing the show, waving at the crowd like a little champ.” The event, part of the spring racing season, featured the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby, a key qualifier for the Kentucky Derby, adding to the day’s excitement.

Musk’s outing with Lil X follows a pattern of public appearances where he integrates fatherhood with his high-profile lifestyle. Recent reports from The Times of India and Hindustan Times document Lil X accompanying Musk to the White House, Capitol Hill, and a UFC event in Miami, often perched on his father’s shoulders. These moments have sparked both admiration and criticism, with some praising Musk’s dedication as a father and others questioning the appropriateness of bringing a young child to such settings.

The Context: Musk’s Public Fatherhood

Elon Musk, father to 14 children with four women, has increasingly showcased his role as a parent, particularly with Lil X, born in May 2020 to Canadian musician Grimes. Named X Æ A-Xii (pronounced “X Ash A Twelve”), the child’s unique moniker reflects Musk’s fascination with the letter X, seen in ventures like SpaceX and X Corp. Musk’s biographer, Walter Isaacson, describes Lil X as a calming presence for the billionaire, noting his “otherworldly sweetness” and frequent appearances at events since infancy.

Lil X’s public outings began early, from sitting on Musk’s lap at the 2021 TIME Person of the Year event to attending a SpaceX Starship launch in 2023. In 2025, he became a fixture at political events, including an Oval Office press conference where he playfully distracted Musk by tugging at his ears, earning chuckles from President Donald Trump. ABC News reported Trump calling Lil X a “high-IQ individual,” while The Indian Express highlighted a viral video of Lil X saying “Save America” when prompted by Musk. These moments have fueled perceptions of Lil X as Musk’s “protege,” though Grimes expressed discomfort with his public exposure, stating on X, “He should not be in public like this.”

The Los Angeles horse racing event, however, was a lighter affair, free from the political weight of Musk’s recent appearances. It coincided with a period of relative calm for Musk, who scaled back his DOGE duties in March 2025 to focus on Tesla and SpaceX. Tesla’s Q1 2025 profit drop of 71% and a 13% sales decline, linked to Musk’s controversial political ties, have pressured him to rebuild his image. The Santa Anita outing, with its family-friendly vibe, aligns with what India Today describes as Musk’s strategic effort to appear “personable” and counter criticisms of being aloof or overly political.

Public Reaction: Adoration and Controversy

The sight of Musk and Lil X at Santa Anita sparked a polarized response online. On X, fans celebrated the heartwarming scenes, with @FamilyManElon posting, “Elon taking Lil X to the races is peak dad energy. Love how he makes time for his kids!” Another user, @SoCalTech, wrote, “Lil X waving at the crowd was adorable. He’s gonna be a star like his dad.” The event’s casual setting resonated with supporters who see Musk as a relatable figure despite his $400 billion net worth.

Critics, however, questioned Musk’s motives. A post by @EthicsWatchdog argued, “Musk parades Lil X at public events to soften his image after Tesla’s flops and DOGE backlash. It’s calculated.” This echoes sentiments from The Times of India, which reported netizens accusing Musk of using Lil X as a “prop” during a White House visit. Grimes’ public disapproval added fuel, with her X post about Lil X’s Oval Office appearance prompting debates about co-parenting tensions. A 2024 Vanity Fair article noted their ongoing custody battle, with Grimes alleging she didn’t see one of her children for five months.

The horse racing event also drew scrutiny over Musk’s choice of venue. Santa Anita Park has faced controversy, with 42 horse deaths in 2019 prompting reforms, as reported by The Los Angeles Times. Some X users, like @AnimalRightsCA, criticized Musk’s attendance, posting, “Why support an industry with a dark side? Musk should know better.” Others defended the outing, arguing it was a harmless family activity, with @RaceHistoryFan noting, “Santa Anita’s safety measures have improved. Let the guy enjoy a day with his son.”

Cultural and Social Significance

Musk’s appearance with Lil X at Santa Anita taps into a broader cultural fascination with his persona—a blend of tech genius, provocateur, and now, doting father. Horse racing, a sport steeped in tradition and glamour, contrasts with Musk’s futuristic ventures, creating a striking juxtaposition. The event’s celebrity-filled atmosphere, with attendees like actors and athletes, amplified its visibility, as noted in a Hola report about Musk’s 2023 Formula 1 appearance with Lil X.

Lil X’s presence humanizes Musk, who has faced reputational challenges. A 2024 New York Magazine article suggested Musk uses Lil X as an “emotional support human” amid a custody battle with Grimes and estrangement from his transgender daughter, Vivian Wilson. The Nation reported allegations of workplace harassment at SpaceX, further tarnishing Musk’s image. By contrast, moments like the Santa Anita outing project warmth, aligning with The Economic Times observation that Musk’s fatherhood displays are a “unique blend of family values and high-stakes” ambition.

The event also reflects Los Angeles’ enduring love for spectacle. Santa Anita, dubbed the “Great Race Place,” has hosted Hollywood stars since the 1930s. Musk’s attendance reinforces his status as a modern icon, with Lil X as a charismatic sidekick. X posts compared Lil X to a young celebrity, with @PopCultureX joking, “Lil X is the real influencer here—already working the crowd at 4!”

Challenges and Criticisms

While the outing was largely well-received, it raises questions about Musk’s parenting choices. Grimes’ concerns about Lil X’s public exposure highlight the risks of raising a child in the spotlight, especially given Musk’s polarizing status. A 2022 Daily Mail report detailed a stalking incident involving Lil X in Los Angeles, where a man climbed onto a car carrying the then-two-year-old, underscoring security concerns.

Financially, Musk’s focus on personal appearances amid Tesla’s struggles draws scrutiny. With Tesla’s stock down 33% in 2025 and SpaceX facing Starship test failures, some investors worry Musk is distracted. A Wall Street Journal analyst noted that “public stunts, even wholesome ones, don’t fix balance sheets.” The horse racing event, while charming, may not quell concerns about Musk’s priorities.

The Bigger Picture

Musk’s outing with Lil X at Santa Anita Park is more than a celebrity sighting—it’s a snapshot of his evolving public narrative. As he navigates Tesla’s challenges, SpaceX’s Mars ambitions, and DOGE’s fallout, Musk leans on fatherhood to soften his image. The event’s success, with its viral moments and positive buzz, suggests this strategy resonates, at least with fans. Fox News reported similar enthusiasm for Lil X’s White House antics, indicating his appeal transcends contexts.

Looking ahead, Musk’s ability to balance family and empire will be tested. SpaceX’s 2026 Mars mission and Tesla’s robotaxi rollout demand focus, while co-parenting disputes with Grimes loom. For now, the Santa Anita outing offers a rare moment of joy, with Lil X as the star of the show.

Conclusion

Elon Musk and Lil X’s appearance at the Santa Anita horse racing event on April 27, 2025, captivated onlookers and sparked a social media storm. The outing showcased Musk’s knack for blending family life with public spectacle, reinforcing his image as a relatable yet larger-than-life figure. While fans celebrated the heartwarming father-son bond, critics questioned Musk’s motives and the wisdom of exposing Lil X to such scrutiny. Amid Tesla’s financial woes and SpaceX’s high-stakes projects, the event was a brief respite, reminding the world of Musk’s human side. As Lil X waved to the crowd, he embodied the hope and curiosity that drive Musk’s vision—whether on Earth or beyond.