Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial remarks regarding his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, claiming that she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk criticized gender-reassignment surgery, labeling it as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He expressed regret for supporting his daughter’s transition when she came out as transgender at the age of 16, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Musk stated that he felt deceived into signing documents that allowed his child to pursue gender-affirming care, which he said was presented to him as a necessary measure to prevent suicide. He also expressed outrage that such procedures are conducted on children who are too young to give consent and shared his belief with Peterson that those promoting these practices should face imprisonment.
Musk, who is a father of 12, claimed he was never fully informed that puberty blockers could serve as sterilization drugs. He described his emotional turmoil over the situation, saying he felt he had lost his son due to the changes that took place with his daughter.
These comments came shortly after Musk announced that his companies, including X and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas, reacting against California’s AB1955, known as the SAFETY Act. This legislation restricts schools from imposing rules that would notify parents if their child identifies as transgender and mandates state support for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans messaging.
In 2022, Wilson sought a name change and petitioned for a new birth certificate, stating in court filings that she wishes to sever ties with her father entirely. Musk has attributed the strained relationship to the progressive nature of her school in Los Angeles, a sentiment reflected in Walter Isaacson’s biography of him, which suggests that his strained relationship with Wilson is a driving factor behind his “anti-woke” attitudes.
In recent years, Musk has shifted from his previously centrist political views to align more closely with right-wing ideologies, addressing various issues including diversity initiatives and immigration. Earlier this month, he publicly endorsed the Republican presidential candidacy of former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom advocate for the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.