Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial remarks regarding his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, claiming that she was “killed” following gender-affirming care. His comments were made during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, where Musk expressed his intention to combat what he called the “woke mind virus.”
Musk described gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” stating that Wilson, who came out as transgender at 16, received gender-affirming care during the pandemic. He claimed he was “tricked” into permitting treatment for his child, referencing the pressure he felt during the COVID-19 pandemic and the fears of suicide that were presented to him. Musk expressed regret over the decision, saying, “I lost my son, essentially,” in response to the processes involved in transitioning.
Additionally, Musk criticized the practice of administering treatments to minors who he believes are below the age of consent, aligning himself with Peterson’s assertion that such practices are “incredibly evil.” He voiced his belief that anyone advocating for these treatments should face imprisonment. Musk also contended that he was never fully informed that puberty blockers could affect fertility, even though they do not cause sterilization on their own.
These remarks follow Musk’s announcement that his companies, including X and SpaceX, will relocate from California to Texas due to discontent with the state’s AB1955 legislation, which focuses on the rights of transgender students and requires resources for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has previously faced accusations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans rhetoric.
In 2022, Wilson applied for a name change and expressed in court that she no longer wishes to have a relationship with her biological father. Musk has attributed their estrangement to the influence of her progressive school, a point noted in Walter Isaacson’s biography of him. Over the years, Musk has shifted from center-left politics to align more closely with right-wing viewpoints, touching on topics such as diversity policies, election integrity, and energy policies.