In a move reflecting his growing discontent with California’s progressive policies, Elon Musk announced on Tuesday that he will relocate the headquarters of SpaceX and X (formerly Twitter) to Texas. This decision follows California Governor Gavin Newsom’s signing of a landmark law prohibiting schools from mandating teachers to inform parents if their child changes their gender identity.
“This is the final straw,” Musk declared on X. “Because of this law and the many others that preceded it, attacking both families and companies, SpaceX will now move its HQ from Hawthorne, California, to Starbase, Texas.”
Musk, who has a transgender daughter, has previously expressed concerns over policies he perceives as intrusive and detrimental to family and business interests. He stated that he had warned Governor Newsom about the potential exodus of families and companies from California due to such legislation.
In a subsequent post, Musk announced the relocation of X’s headquarters from San Francisco to Austin, Texas, citing increasing issues with urban safety. “I’ve had enough of dodging gangs of violent drug addicts just to get in and out of the building,” he remarked.
This relocation is part of a broader trend for Musk, who moved Tesla’s headquarters from Palo Alto, California, to Austin, Texas, in 2021. Tesla, the world’s most valuable car company, still maintains an engineering headquarters in California.
Musk, the world’s richest man, has increasingly voiced his political views since acquiring X in 2022, frequently criticizing what he sees as excessively left-wing or “woke” policies and public figures. On Saturday, he announced his endorsement of Donald Trump for president, following an incident where Trump narrowly survived an assassination attempt.
California, known for its liberal stance, is governed by the Democratic Party, while Texas remains a conservative bastion under Republican control. Musk’s decision underscores the ongoing ideological divide between the two states.
With no state corporate or income tax and a favorable business climate, Texas has become an attractive destination for Musk. His move signifies a strategic alignment with the state’s conservative values and a rejection of California’s progressive policies.
