Elon Musk is once again making waves online, this time with a comment about the rise in people identifying as transgender in the U.S.
Musk, who now serves as head of the Department of Government Efficiency under President Donald Trump, reacted to data recently shared by American writer John LeFerre on X (formerly Twitter).
The data came from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It shows that more people, especially those born between 1990 and 2005, now identify as transgender.
Responding to the post, Musk wrote: “Woke mind virus in action. Now, it is time for the mind virus to die.”
He has often used the term “woke mind virus” to describe what he believes is a dangerous shift in culture and identity politics.
Musk’s Comments Fuel More Culture War
Musk’s post has sparked a fresh round of debate, especially because it comes while the Trump administration pushes stricter policies on transgender rights.
In February 2025, President Trump signed an executive order banning biological males from competing in women’s sports at all levels.
Supporters say the move protects fairness in sports.
Critics argue it unfairly targets transgender youth and could increase stigma.
Musk’s comment adds fuel to the national conversation, which has already divided many Americans along political and ideological lines.
Though some of his followers praised him, others accused him of promoting harmful views.
Musk didn’t stop to clarify his statement or respond to the backlash. But this is not the first time he has taken aim at progressive culture or the transgender community.
Last year, Musk tweeted: “Pronouns suck,” which drew sharp criticism, even from his own colleagues and family members.
Global Developments Add to the Fire
The U.S. isn’t the only country dealing with legal and social debates over transgender identity.
Just last week, the United Kingdom’s Supreme Court ruled that the term “woman” in its equality law refers only to biological sex.
This ruling upset many LGBTQ+ activists in the UK, and protests broke out in several cities.
Some believe Musk is using his new government role and online influence to echo broader conservative movements happening in other Western countries.
He has also claimed that rising numbers of transgender-identifying youth are not due to individual choice, but social pressure and ideology.
Musk has not provided evidence to support this claim, but his words have a wide reach, given his 180+ million followers on X.
The debate over transgender rights, gender identity, and youth well-being continues to grow louder, both online and offline.
And with Musk now working in the Trump government, his opinions may carry even more weight than before.
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