Tech mogul Elon Musk announced plans to relocate the headquarters of his companies SpaceX and X from California to Texas.
This decision comes after California passed a law preventing schools from disclosing a student’s gender identity to parents without their consent. Musk expressed strong disapproval of the law, calling it the “final straw.” This follows his previous move of Tesla’s headquarters to Texas in 2021, a decision initially threatened due to California’s COVID-19 restrictions.
Elon Musk, a prominent tech leader, has ramped up his involvement in U.S. politics. He recently endorsed Donald Trump for president and reportedly pledged significant financial backing to his campaign.
A new California law prohibiting schools from disclosing a student’s gender identity to parents without their consent has ignited a national debate. LGBTQ advocates advocate for student privacy, while others believe parents deserve full knowledge. Musk, who has a transgender daughter, expresses support for transgender people but also criticizes pronoun usage. He previously advocated for criminalizing specific medical treatments for transgender minors.
Citing the new law and a general dissatisfaction with the state’s business climate, Musk announced the relocation of SpaceX headquarters from California to Texas. He additionally criticized San Francisco’s safety issues.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a potential Democratic presidential candidate, seemingly mocked Musk’s decision by referencing past criticism from Donald Trump. A spokesperson for Newsom defended the new law, emphasizing child safety and family autonomy.
Traditionally, states compete to attract companies with high-paying jobs. Musk, a Texas resident already, likely finds its tax benefits appealing. While SpaceX employs many Californians, it also has a significant Texas presence. It’s unclear if the move will result in job cuts in California.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott celebrated the move, claiming it solidifies Texas’ position as a leader in space exploration. Neither SpaceX nor X have commented on potential job losses in California related to the headquarters relocation.
