Musk to move SpaceX and X HQ over gender identity law

Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur behind SpaceX and X, has announced plans to relocate the headquarters of these companies from California to Texas. This decision comes in response to a new California law that prevents schools from making rules requiring staff to disclose a child's gender identity to anyone, including parents. A spokesperson for the governor stated that the law aims to keep children safe while protecting the critical role of parents. However, Musk described the law as 'the last straw. ' Musk, who is already a resident of Texas, a state with no income tax, has previously expressed his opposition to such legislation. The debate over what schools should disclose to parents about their children's gender identities has become a significant issue in the US. LGBTQ advocates argue that students have a right to privacy, while others believe that parents have a right to know about their children's lives. Brandon Richards told the Associated Press that the law protects the child-parent relationship by preventing politicians and school staff from inappropriately intervening in family matters. Musk, who has a transgender daughter, has previously stated that he supports trans individuals but finds pronouns to be an 'aesthetic nightmare. ' His daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, legally changed her name and gender in 2022, stating that she no longer wanted to be related to her biological father. Last year, Musk announced his intention to lobby for the criminalization of transgender medical treatment. He cited this law and others like it as reasons for moving SpaceX's headquarters from California to Texas. California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized Musk's decision on social media, accusing him of 'bending the knee,' and referenced a 2022 post from Donald Trump. States have historically competed to attract companies to establish headquarters, which bring high-paying corporate jobs. SpaceX, which employs over 5,000 people in California, already has a significant presence in Texas. Texas Governor Greg Abbott stated that this move solidifies Texas as a leader in space exploration. Neither SpaceX nor X responded to inquiries about potential job cuts in California as a result of the move. This decision follows Musk's formal endorsement of Donald Trump for president. The Wall Street Journal reported that Musk would be directing $45 million a month towards Trump's campaign. Musk responded with a meme implying the report was false, but later seemed to confirm that he was pledging millions to support Trump's election campaign.