Billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk has built an empire that spans electric vehicles, space travel, and even government influence—but one question keeps resurfacing: Is Elon Musk actually a U.S. citizen?
Despite living in the United States for decades and playing a major role in shaping the country’s tech and energy industries, Musk wasn’t always an American. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO was born on June 28, 1971, in Pretoria, South Africa. His journey to U.S. citizenship wasn’t as straightforward as some might think, and recent political debates have reignited interest in his nationality.
The Truth About Musk’s Citizenship Status
Musk officially became a U.S. citizen in 2002 through naturalization—10 years after he first set foot in the country. However, that hasn’t stopped politicians and commentators from questioning his allegiance. Former Congresswoman Liz Cheney recently took a jab at him on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting that Musk wasn’t an American citizen during key moments in U.S. history.
Adding fuel to the fire, Musk’s increasing role in the federal government has led some to scrutinize whether naturalized citizens should hold influential advisory positions. As head of the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), his presence in government affairs has drawn both support and criticism.
Why Musk Left South Africa
Musk’s departure from South Africa wasn’t just about career opportunities—it was also a way to avoid mandatory military service under the apartheid government. At age 17, he leveraged his Canadian-born mother’s nationality to secure Canadian citizenship, moving to Canada in 1989 before heading to the U.S. for college.
After enrolling at Queen’s University in Ontario, he later transferred to the University of Pennsylvania, where he completed degrees in physics and economics. His early years in America were filled with visa challenges, but his ambition to innovate in Silicon Valley led him to eventually secure citizenship.
Can Musk Run for U.S. President?
Despite his deep ties to America, Musk is constitutionally barred from running for president. The U.S. Constitution requires candidates to be natural-born citizens, a requirement he doesn’t meet. That hasn’t stopped speculation about his political influence, as his government involvement and outspoken views on policy continue to stir controversy.
What About His Kids?
Musk is a father of 12 children, many of whom were born in the U.S. and are American citizens by birth. Due to their mothers’ Canadian nationality, some of his children also hold dual citizenship.
Public Reactions
The debate over Musk’s nationality has taken social media by storm. Political commentator Dean Obeidallah stirred controversy by claiming, “Elon Musk is a U.S. citizen BUT he is not an American.” Others have rushed to his defense, with accounts like @sxdoc stating, “Musk may be FROM South Africa, but he is an AMERICAN 🇺🇸 like so many immigrants.”
What’s Next for Musk?
With Musk firmly established as a U.S. citizen, the conversation has shifted from his immigration journey to the influence he holds in government affairs. His leadership at DOGE, close ties to political figures, and growing authority in federal decision-making have left many wondering: Just how much power should one naturalized citizen wield in America’s highest circles?
