Tesla CEO Elon Musk expressed strong views regarding his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, during a recent interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson. Musk claimed that Wilson was “killed” by the gender-affirming care she received, which he referred to as “child mutilation and sterilization,” and vowed to combat what he termed the “woke mind virus.”
In the interview, Musk revealed that Wilson came out as transgender at the age of 16 and received gender-affirming care during the COVID-19 pandemic. He recounted feeling deceived into signing documents related to her transition, stating he was informed that his child might be at risk of suicide.
Musk criticized the practice of providing gender-affirming care to minors who are below the age of consent, echoing Peterson’s sentiments that it is morally wrong and suggesting that proponents of such care should face imprisonment. He remarked that he was not adequately informed about the implications of puberty blockers, which he mistakenly referred to as sterilization drugs.
Further reflecting on his personal loss, Musk expressed sorrow over his estrangement from his daughter, stating, “I lost my son, essentially,” and emphasized the weight of the term “deadnaming” in relation to his lost parental connection.
These remarks come shortly after Musk announced that X and SpaceX would be relocating to Texas, in response to California’s new SAFETY Act, which prohibits schools from requiring parental notification if a child identifies as transgender. Over time, Musk has faced criticism for allegedly promoting anti-trans narratives.
Wilson had legally changed her name and requested a new birth certificate in 2022, stating her desire to dissociate from her biological father. Musk has attributed their estrangement to the influence of her progressive school environment, as described in Walter Isaacson’s biography of him.
Musk, who previously held centrist political views, has increasingly aligned with right-wing perspectives, openly supporting candidates such as former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, who advocate for the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.