In a statement that has sent shockwaves across the world of sports and beyond, tech mogul Elon Musk has publicly called for a formal proposal that would ban all tournaments from allowing biological men to compete in women’s categories. The billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX voiced his concerns on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, demanding that athletic integrity and fairness for biological women be preserved at all costs.
Musk’s post read: “It’s time for governing bodies to wake up. Biological men should not be allowed to compete against women in sports. This is not about politics. It’s about basic biology and fairness.”
The post quickly went viral, sparking a firestorm of debate. Some hailed Musk for “saying what millions are thinking,” praising him for standing up for female athletes who, according to critics, are being pushed aside in the name of inclusivity. Others, however, accused him of transphobia and undermining the efforts of the LGBTQ+ community to promote equal participation in sports.
The issue of transgender athletes competing in women’s divisions has become one of the most controversial topics in modern sports. From swimming to cycling and track and field, numerous high-profile cases have drawn criticism over alleged unfair advantages stemming from biological differences in muscle mass, endurance, and hormone levels.
Musk’s intervention is significant not only due to his enormous social media reach but also because of his increasing influence in policy debates that extend far beyond the tech world. He urged international sports federations, including the International Olympic Committee and FIFA, to “enforce clear and science-based guidelines that protect female athletes.”
Women’s sports advocates applauded Musk’s remarks. Riley Gaines, a former NCAA swimmer and one of the most vocal critics of transgender participation in women’s sports, responded with a statement of support: “Finally, someone with real power is taking this seriously. Thank you, Elon, for standing up for fairness.”
On the other side of the spectrum, LGBTQ+ organizations and progressive activists decried the comments. GLAAD released a statement calling Musk’s proposal “dangerous and dehumanizing,” arguing that “policies must be made with compassion, not exclusion.”
While no formal action has yet been taken, Musk said he plans to fund independent research and policy frameworks aimed at establishing clear divisions based on biology rather than gender identity. “It’s not anti-anyone,” Musk concluded. “It’s pro-women, pro-science, and pro-fairness.”
As the global debate intensifies, the sports world watches closely to see whether Elon Musk’s latest push will become a turning point — or just another flashpoint — in the battle over gender and competition.
