Grimes has publicly criticized her ex, Elon Musk, after he brought their four-year-old son, X Æ A-XII, to the Oval Office for a press event alongside Donald Trump. The Canadian musician expressed frustration over X’s involvement in such a high-profile political moment, stating, "He should not be in public like this." The Tesla and SpaceX CEO took his son to the White House to witness Trump signing a DOGE-centric executive order aimed at targeting government bureaucrats. Musk and his child stole the spotlight, overshadowing the official event, which their son attended with his father.
Grimes, whose real name is Claire Boucher, responded on X (formerly Twitter) after being alerted by a follower about her son’s presence at the event. She acknowledged X was well-behaved but expressed clear disappointment, writing, "I did not see this, thank u for alerting me. But I'm glad he was polite. Sigh." The singer has three children with Musk and previously described his public display of their child as "a personal tragedy" for her.
On February 12, 2025, inside the Oval Office, Musk and X witnessed the signing of the executive order aimed at reforming government efficiency through measures introduced by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk's presence at the White House, where he has increasingly exerted influence, sparked criticism and concern from Grimes about her son's exposure to the political spotlight.
While Musk engaged with reporters, the young child drew attention as he was seen playing with his father and even whispering to Trump. Observers noted his innocent remarks, such as when he told Trump, "Please forgive me, I need to pee," illustrating the unusual circumstances under which he was being showcased.
Grimes had previously voiced her concerns about the state of American politics and its impacts on children. "I think so much of what's been happening over the last decade is simply because the art of diplomacy, oration, and competent leadership has been lost," she noted, expressing her desire for politicians to govern rather than engage in personal rivalries. Her remarks resonate with many who feel disenchanted with the current political climate.
Even with the challenging situation, Grimes remained cautious about directly criticizing political figures, humorously adding, "I just don’t wanna be deported haha—like literally." This sentiment underscored her feelings about her precarious position as the mother of children with Musk, especially with their high-profile custody battle.
The couple dated from 2018 until 2022 and shares two sons and one daughter. Musk, seeking custody through the Texas courts, has faced legal counteractions from Grimes, who filed for parental relationship establishment in California. The tension between them has blurred personal lines, leading Grimes to lament about how these high-stakes battles affect their children.
She expressed concern about how Musk's political gestures could endanger their son's well-being. Fans on social media echoed her worries, affirming the sentiment of keeping children out of the political spotlight. Grimes took note of her followers' reactions to her son's unexpected appearance at the Oval Office and shared her own discomfort, reiteratively questioning the appropriateness of the situation.
Initially unaware of her son's actions at such a significant event, Grimes remains vigilant about the public display of their children. "Is there anything you can do?" one follower asked, reflecting the exasperation many feel toward the blurring of private family moments and public political theatrics. Many supporters rallied around Grimes, recognizing the emotional toll this precarious scenario takes on her and their children.
Despite these public conflicts, Musk's continual association with Trump and influence in the MAGA movement has led to heightened attention for both parents. Grimes condemned the lack of decorum as she highlighted the necessity for civil discourse. "Decorum is incredibly important," she asserted, noting its power to maintain stability and mental health within society.
For Grimes, the political turmoil is not just about policy; it's intertwined with her personal struggle for her children. The emotional stakes have escalated since Musk's unprecedented moves to take their son to the Oval Office, turning family moments—not just political engagements—into newsworthy events.
With their disputes continuing amid political chaos, Grimes is still confronted with the challenge of protecting her children from the ramifications of their fathers' decisions. The public nature of this exposure raises questions about the normality of their lives and the weight of their childhood experiences navigated through the political lens. Grimes remains adamant about her role as a protective mother, voicing her concerns and using her platform to bring attention to the issue, hoping to influence how public figures handle familial matters.