Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial statements about his transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson. Musk claimed that his daughter was effectively “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care, which he described as “child mutilation and sterilization.”
Musk recounted that Vivian came out as transgender at the age of 16 and received care during the pandemic. He mentioned feeling pressured to support her transition, expressing that he was misled into signing documents regarding her care without fully understanding the implications. He claimed that concerns about potential suicide pushed him into this decision.
Musk expressed strong disapproval of gender-reassignment surgeries for minors, stating that such actions should be punishable by imprisonment. He also alleged that he was not made aware that puberty blockers could lead to sterilization, although it is noted that puberty blockers do not directly affect fertility.
His remarks coincided with recent moves by his companies, such as X and SpaceX, to relocate to Texas, influenced by state legislation that limits parental notifications regarding children’s gender identity. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans narratives, particularly following his daughter’s legal request to sever ties with him.
In past years, Musk’s political views have shifted from center-left to increasingly right-wing stances, including support for the Republican party and former President Donald Trump.