Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently expressed his controversial views on gender-affirming care for transgender youth during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson. Musk controversially claimed that his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, was “killed” by the procedures she underwent, which he labeled as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He stated that she came out as transgender at the age of 16 and received care during the pandemic.
Musk noted that he felt misled into consenting to his child’s treatment, describing it as a time of confusion exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. He claimed he was informed that Wilson might be at risk of suicide due to her identity. Musk criticized the practice of administering gender-affirming treatments to minors, stating that such actions are “incredibly evil” and suggested that advocates of these practices should face imprisonment. He also claimed he was not informed that puberty blockers function as sterilization drugs, while acknowledging that these medications do not affect fertility on their own.
He expressed deep regret, saying, “I lost my son, essentially,” and critiqued the concept of “deadnaming,” explaining that it signifies the loss of one’s child. His remarks follow a recent decision to relocate X and SpaceX operations to Texas, in opposition to California legislation that protects transgender students’ rights.
Musk’s strained relationship with Wilson dates back to her application for a name change and a new birth certificate in 2022, in which she indicated a desire to disassociate from her biological father. He has attributed their estrangement to the influence of her progressive school in Los Angeles, a dynamic that he believes shapes his public stance against “woke” culture.
Over recent years, Musk has shifted from his previously moderate political views towards embracing conservative talking points, including issues related to diversity, election integrity, and immigration. Notably, he recently endorsed the Republican presidential candidacy of Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom have minimal support for clean energy initiatives.