• Faith: Christian
• Career: Businessman
• Birthday:  June 28, 1971

Elon Musk is a prominent entrepreneur recognized for his key roles in the aerospace company SpaceX and the electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla, Inc. He is also the owner of X Corp., the entity behind the social media platform X. In early 2024, Elon Musk became increasingly involved in American politics, emerging as a prominent supporter of Donald Trump. After winning the 2024 presidential election, Trump announced Musk’s appointment, alongside Vivek Ramaswamy, to co-chair the planned Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) advisory board.

Elon Reeve Musk was born on June 28, 1971, in Pretoria, South Africa, to Maye Musk, a dietitian and model, and Errol Musk, an engineer. Growing up, Musk displayed an exceptional aptitude for technology and entrepreneurship. By the age of 12, he had taught himself computer programming and developed a video game, which he sold to a magazine for $500.

His childhood, however, was not without challenges. Musk has spoken openly about facing bullying during his school years, which he overcame with resilience and determination. Seeking greater opportunities, he left South Africa in 1989 to attend Queen’s University in Canada and later transferred to the University of Pennsylvania in the United States. Musk earned degrees in physics and economics, laying the foundation for his future endeavors.

Musk’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1995 when he co-founded Zip2, a software company providing business directories and maps for newspapers. The company was sold to Compaq for nearly $300 million in 1999, marking Musk’s first major success.

He soon launched X.com, an online payment company that evolved into PayPal. The platform revolutionized digital transactions and was acquired by eBay for $1.5 billion in stock in 2002, catapulting Musk into the tech elite.

In 2002, Musk founded SpaceX with the vision of making space travel affordable and paving the way for the colonization of Mars. Despite initial failures, SpaceX achieved significant milestones, including the first privately funded spacecraft to reach orbit and the first private company to send astronauts to the International Space Station.

Musk joined Tesla Motors (now Tesla, Inc.) in 2004, where he played a pivotal role in transforming the automotive industry. Under his leadership, Tesla developed groundbreaking electric vehicles, such as the Model S, Model 3, and Model Y, and pioneered battery technology. Tesla’s success has made Musk one of the wealthiest individuals in the world.

His commitment to sustainability extended to SolarCity (later acquired by Tesla), which focused on renewable energy solutions. Musk’s ventures like Neuralink and The Boring Company further showcase his dedication to technological innovation.

In 2022, Musk acquired Twitter, rebranding it as X. He implemented significant changes to the platform, including subscription-based services and expanded features. Despite controversies, Musk’s leadership emphasized free speech and technological advancement.

In 2024, President-elect Donald Trump announced Elon Musk’s appointment to his cabinet, marking a significant chapter in Musk’s career. Tasked with leading the Department of Technology and Innovation, Musk is expected to spearhead policies promoting artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and space exploration. Musk’s appointment reflects his growing influence beyond the private sector, as his expertise in cutting-edge industries positions him to shape national and global policies.

Elon Musk’s personal life has been as dynamic as his career. He has been married three times, twice to actress Talulah Riley. His first marriage to Justine Wilson, a Canadian author, resulted in five sons: twins Griffin and Xavier (now Vivian Jenna Wilson, after transitioning) and triplets Damian, Saxon, and Kai. Musk and Wilson’s first child, Nevada, tragically passed away as an infant.

Musk’s relationship with musician Grimes brought further media attention. The couple has two children, X Æ A-12 (referred to as “X”) and Exa Dark Sideræl (“Y”). Musk’s approach to parenthood reflects his unique personality—he has expressed both a hands-on involvement and a belief in instilling independence in his children.

Elon Musk's Religious Beliefs

While Elon Musk has long been regarded as a skeptic of organized religion, his recent public comments reveal a shift in his spiritual perspective. In an interview with UnHerd, Musk identified himself as a "cultural Christian." He expressed admiration for the moral teachings of Christianity, particularly the principles of love, forgiveness, and humility exemplified by Jesus Christ.

Musk’s faith journey reflects his broader exploration of existential questions. Though he has not declared himself a devout Christian, his acknowledgment of Christian values marks a significant departure from his earlier atheistic stance. This transformation resonates with his growing belief in the importance of morality and ethical responsibility, both personally and in his businesses.

Musk’s spiritual openness has sparked conversations about the intersection of faith and technology. His advocacy for human progress now includes an appreciation for the guiding principles of Christianity, reinforcing the need for compassion and ethics in a rapidly evolving world.