In a provocative move that has reignited debates over gender and fairness in sports, Elon Musk has publicly called for a proposal to ban biological men from competing in women’s categories across all tournaments. The billionaire, whose influence spans technology, politics, and now social policy, made the statement on April 15, 2025, via a post on X, the platform he sold to his AI company xAI for $33 billion. Musk’s comments come amidst a polarized cultural landscape in the U.S., where issues of transgender participation in sports have sparked heated discussions, and his stance is likely to further inflame the controversy.

Musk, whose net worth stands at $297.8 billion after a $144 billion loss, has increasingly waded into political and social issues since becoming a senior advisor to President Donald Trump and head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). In his X post, he wrote, “We need a clear proposal to stop all tournaments allowing biological men to compete in women’s categories. Fairness matters, and science should guide us—not ideology.” The statement, which garnered over 5 million views within hours, reflects Musk’s growing tendency to challenge what he perceives as progressive overreach, aligning with conservative talking points that have gained traction since Trump’s 2024 election victory.

The issue of transgender athletes in sports has been a lightning rod for years, with high-profile cases like Lia Thomas, a transgender swimmer who competed in NCAA women’s events in 2022, drawing both support and backlash. Proponents of inclusion argue that transgender women, many of whom undergo hormone therapy, should be allowed to compete in accordance with their gender identity, citing fairness and equity. Critics, however, contend that biological differences—such as muscle mass and bone density—can provide an unfair advantage, even after transition, and that women’s sports should be reserved for those born female to ensure a level playing field.

Musk’s call for a proposal appears to side with the latter view, emphasizing “science” as the basis for his position. While he did not specify who should draft the proposal, his statement has already drawn attention from sports organizations like the NCAA and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), both of which have faced pressure to revise their policies on transgender participation. The IOC, for instance, allows transgender athletes to compete in women’s events if they meet testosterone thresholds, a policy that has been criticized by some as insufficient to address physiological advantages.

Reactions to Musk’s statement have been swift and divided. On X, where #MuskSportsBan trended, supporters praised his stance, with one user writing, “Finally, someone with a platform is speaking up for fairness in women’s sports!” Others, however, accused Musk of overstepping, with a commenter noting, “Elon Musk isn’t a scientist or a sports expert—why is he dictating policy?” Transgender advocacy groups, such as GLAAD, condemned the statement, calling it “a dangerous attack on inclusivity” and urging Musk to consider the impact on transgender athletes who already face significant discrimination.

Musk’s involvement in this debate comes at a time when his own actions are under scrutiny. Tesla’s sales have plummeted 13% in Q1 2025, and his political role in DOGE, which has slashed social programs, has fueled protests and boycotts, with over 200 demonstrations reported outside Tesla facilities in a single weekend. His recent acquisition of the Philadelphia Eagles for $33.5 billion and his public feuds, like the one with Alec Baldwin—who just hours ago vowed to make Musk leave the U.S.—have only added to the chaos surrounding him.

Whether Musk’s call for a proposal will lead to tangible change remains uncertain. Sports governing bodies have historically moved slowly on such issues, and any policy shift would likely face legal challenges. For now, Musk’s statement has thrust the debate over transgender athletes back into the spotlight, forcing a reckoning over fairness, science, and identity in sports. As the controversy unfolds, one thing is clear: Elon Musk’s influence continues to extend far beyond technology, shaping conversations that could redefine the future of athletics.