A lighthearted encounter between former President Donald Trump and Elon Musk's young son created an unexpected viral sensation at the White House.
According to the New York Post, heartwarming photographs of Trump walking with X Æ A-12, known as "Lil X," to Marine Force One have garnered more than 4 million views on social media platform X, drawing widespread attention and positive reactions from internet users.
The four-year-old son of tech billionaire Elon Musk was captured in various moments of pure childhood joy, dressed in a black coat adorned with a USA pin and clutching what appeared to be a bag of candy. The young boy's enthusiasm was evident as he led the way, jumping and skipping down the White House South Lawn ramp toward the presidential helicopter.
The endearing interaction occurred during one of Lil X's regular visits to the White House, where his father now serves as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency. Musk's appointment to lead DOGE, an initiative focused on eliminating waste, fraud, and corruption within federal government operations, has established his son's recurring presence at the presidential residence.
Trump demonstrated careful attention to his young companion, helping Lil X board Marine Force One and making playful gestures, including an "X" hand signal directed at the child. The pair was later joined by Musk and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick before departing for Joint Base Andrews.
Social media users quickly embraced the moment, with one X user commenting:
It's lovely to see [Lil] X feels that comfortable with President Trump. Day by day we see Elon and President together. You can fake that people say but X is playful with President trump. Kids don't know how to fake things or relationships. There is only love.
This is not Lil X's first memorable appearance at the White House since Trump's return to office. Last month, the young boy attended an Oval Office media briefing where his father discussed DOGE's initiatives and achievements. During the press conference, Lil X displayed typical childlike behavior, making funny faces and even picking his nose before his father lifted him onto his shoulders.
The viral photographs drew comparisons to another popular image of Elon Musk jumping at a Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, last October. The parallel between father and son's enthusiastic gestures resonated with social media users.
The presence of Lil X has added a humanizing element to official White House functions, with his uninhibited behavior providing moments of levity amid serious political discussions.
The interaction between Trump and Lil X represents a unique intersection of political power and Silicon Valley influence. At 78 years old, Trump has shown a softer side in his interactions with the four-year-old son of one of America's most prominent business leaders.
Their rapport has generated significant public interest, with the White House's social media post featuring the pair becoming one of the most viewed content pieces of the week. The genuine nature of their interaction has resonated with supporters who view it as a reflection of positive leadership qualities.
Future meetings between the former president and Lil X seem likely as Musk continues his work with the Department of Government Efficiency, potentially creating more memorable moments that capture public attention.
The viral photographs of Trump and Lil X's White House encounter highlight the growing relationship between the former president and Elon Musk's family. Their interaction, which took place on the South Lawn while heading to Marine Force One, showcased a genuine connection between the 78-year-old leader and the tech billionaire's four-year-old son. As Musk continues his role leading the Department of Government Efficiency, his son's presence at the White House has become a regular occurrence, adding an unexpected element of childhood joy to presidential proceedings.
