Tesla CEO Elon Musk shared his views during an interview with conservative psychologist and commentator Jordan Peterson, where he expressed strong criticism of gender-affirming care for transgender individuals. Musk stated that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who transitioned to a female identity at age 16, was metaphorically “killed” by this type of care. He referred to gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization” and recounted feeling misled when he signed documents concerning his daughter’s care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Musk articulated that he felt tricked into supporting his daughter’s gender transition, claiming he was told she might be at risk of suicide. He described the medical procedures as being administered to children “far below the age of consent” and aligned with Peterson’s view that promoting such care is “incredibly evil,” suggesting that those advocating for it should face imprisonment. Musk further stated that he had not been made aware that puberty blockers could function as sterilization drugs, despite their implications.
The remarks were made shortly after Musk announced that his companies, including Tesla and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas in response to California’s SAFETY Act, which restricts school policies regarding parental notification for transgender identification. Musk has faced allegations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans sentiments in the past.
In the previous year, Wilson sought a name change and a new birth certificate, indicating a desire to sever ties with her biological father. Musk has attributed the estrangement to the progressive nature of her school in Los Angeles, a situation he claims has influenced his critical stance on issues related to transgender rights.
Musk, whose political views have shifted from center-left to more right-wing ideals, has increasingly adopted conservative positions on various issues, including diversity, election integrity, and immigration. Recently, he endorsed former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance for the Republican presidential ticket, both of whom align with Musk’s stance on the oil industry and opposition to clean energy initiatives.