Key Takeaways:
– Elon Musk was born in Pretoria, South Africa and acquired U.S. citizenship in 2002.
– He briefly attended Stanford University before entering the tech industry amidst the internet boom.
– Musk is not only the chief of the Department of Government Efficiency but also the first individual to cross the $400 billion net worth threshold.
– He became an active figure during Donald Trump’s presidency and faced questions about his citizenship due to Trump’s immigration policies.
– He has fathered twelve children with three different partners.
Background Details
Elon Musk, head of the newly formed non-government agency Department of Government Efficiency, has remained an active persona during President Donald Trump’s administration. His South African roots had stirred questions about his citizenship, particularly with the increased focus on immigration during Trump’s second term. Diving deeper into Musk’s past can shed light on these areas of interest.
Elon Musk’s Birthplace and Early Education
Elon Musk was born on June 28, 1971, in Pretoria, South Africa to a South African father and a Canadian mother. At the age of 17 in 1988, Musk moved to Canada with the intention of avoiding mandatory military service in South Africa. He also attained Canadian citizenship that year. Musk later clarified his decision to move to North America, citing his belief that it was the place to realize his ambitions in technology. Musk enrolled at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, maintaining his Canadian base. After two years, he transferred to the University of Pennsylvania.
Venturing into the World of Technology
In 1997, Musk graduated with bachelor’s degrees in economics and physics and then opted for Stanford University to pursue a doctorate in energy physics. However, he left Stanford just two days later, preferring to dive into the tech industry during the internet boom. Despite his early career challenges, including working in the U.S. without the proper authorization, Musk succeeded in building his tech empire.
Musk’s American Citizenship
Although Musk initially moved to Canada for education and to avoid military service in South Africa, he made his home in America in later years. In 2002, Musk solidified his American residency by becoming a U.S. citizen.
Exponential Growth in Net Worth
In 2025, Musk was estimated to own a staggering net worth of $406.7 billion according to Forbes’ Real-Time Billionaires List, making him the first person to surpass the $400 billion mark.
Personal Life and Family
Musk’s personal life has attracted media attention over the years. In 2000, he married his first wife, Justine Wilson, with whom he had six children. After their separation in 2008, Musk went on to marry English actress Talulah Riley in 2010. The duo parted ways, remarried, and then finalized their second divorce in 2016. Musk now has twelve children, including three children from his relationship with musician Grimes, and twins and another child with tech executive Shivon Zilis.
Key Conclusions
While Elon Musk’s early years drew public scrutiny in response to Trump’s immigration policies, Musk is now known as a prominent figure in technological innovation and wealth creation. His unprecedented achievements offer lessons of resilience and opportunity in the face of adversity. This South African-born businessman has undeniably etched his name in the annals of American success stories.