Maye Musk, the mother of Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has recognized her eldest son’s remarkable intellect since his early childhood, even prior to his formal education. In a recent interview on CBS This Morning, the supermodel and registered dietitian-nutritionist disclosed that she perceived Elon’s exceptional abilities when he was merely three years old. “At 3, I knew he was a genius,” Maye recounted, expressing her astonishment at his capacity to absorb and process information at such a tender age. Her efforts to enroll him in nursery school at an early age were met with skepticism, as the staff reportedly “rolled their eyes.”
Despite her early acknowledgment of his talent, Maye Musk noted the difficulties that many gifted individuals encounter in realizing their potential. “Many geniuses don’t apply their talents. They end up in a basement somewhere,” she remarked. For her, Elon’s initial entrepreneurial achievement with Zip2—a pioneering company that offered innovative door-to-door directions and restaurant recommendations—marked a significant turning point. “It was groundbreaking then, and that’s why I invested in it,” she elaborated.
In a profile for The Times UK, Maye affectionately referred to Elon as “Genius Boy,” highlighting his remarkable memory and ability to retain information. She also mentioned that her counsel for him to concentrate on a single venture was disregarded, as he embarked on transformative projects across various sectors, including PayPal, electric vehicles, space exploration, and renewable energy.
In a BBC documentary, Maye characterized Elon as a “genius” and provided insights into the challenges associated with public scrutiny. She noted that her son’s significant success has rendered him a target for criticism. “He gets a lot of hate,” Maye stated. In 2022, she came to his defense on X (formerly Twitter), suggesting that much of the animosity directed at him was fueled by bots and fake accounts. This defense followed Elon’s public declaration of his political shift from supporting Democrats to endorsing the Republican party, a decision that ignited controversy.Maye Musk’s background as a science enthusiast significantly shaped her understanding and appreciation of Elon’s capabilities. During her high school years, she exhibited a profound passion for mathematics and science; however, her desire to find a partner who shared these interests resulted in a limited pool of dating prospects. Reflecting on her past, she acknowledged that her ex-husband was the only individual who matched her expertise in these fields. From recognizing her son’s exceptional intellect as a young child to observing his development into one of the world’s most influential figures, Maye’s journey as Elon’s mother underscores her steadfast belief in his potential. Despite facing various challenges and controversies, she continues to be his unwavering supporter, celebrating his accomplishments and defending his character against criticism.
