A routine press conference at the White House took an unexpected turn when Elon Musk’s four-year-old son, X Æ A-12, affectionately known as “Lil X,” became the center of attention.

As President Donald Trump and the billionaire tech mogul addressed reporters,

The young boy perched on his father’s shoulders, playfully interacting with his surroundings, even leaning on the historic Resolute Desk.

The gathering, originally meant to focus on Musk’s role in government efficiency and Trump’s proposed spending cuts, quickly shifted as Lil X charmed those in attendance.

The president himself couldn’t resist acknowledging the child’s presence, introducing him with a grin:

“This is X, and he’s a great guy—high IQ.”

Though Musk did not publicly explain why he brought his son to the Oval Office, he has previously expressed a desire to spend more time with his children despite his demanding career.

Who is X, the boy who stole the show?

Born in May 2020 to Elon Musk and Canadian musician Grimes, X Æ A-12 gained immediate public fascination due to his unique name.

Often simply called “X,” his moniker initially caused legal confusion, requiring an adjustment to fit California’s birth certificate laws.

Musk once explained its pronunciation on The Joe Rogan Experience, saying, “It’s just X, the letter X. Then ‘Æ’ is pronounced ‘Ash,’ and ‘A-12’ was my contribution.”

The billionaire entrepreneur, now a father of twelve, has frequently spoken about his belief in large families.

His children come from three different relationships, including five from his first marriage to Justine Wilson, three with Grimes, and three with Shivon Zilis.

Despite his growing family, X appears to have a special place in Musk’s heart, often accompanying him to Tesla events, SpaceX facilities, and now, even a meeting with the U.S. president.

While some found the moment endearing, others were less amused.

Social media erupted with reactions, with some praising X’s politeness and others accusing Musk of using his son as a political prop.

Grimes herself weighed in, expressing concern: “He should not be in public like this… But I’m glad he was polite.”

Regardless of the debate, one thing is certain—Lil X’s White House visit will be remembered far beyond the headlines of the day.