Tesla CEO Elon Musk expressed controversial views regarding his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, stating that she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, which aired on Monday, Musk criticized gender-reassignment surgery, labeling it as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He shared that Wilson came out as transgender at the age of 16 after undergoing gender-affirming treatment during the pandemic.
Musk claimed he was “tricked” into supporting the transition process for his daughter, emphasizing that he was not fully informed at the time and was under significant pressure due to concerns about her mental health. He criticized the practice, suggesting that it is performed on children who are too young to provide consent, and he echoed Peterson’s sentiment that promoting such procedures is immoral and should be met with severe consequences.
He further asserted that he was unaware that puberty blockers, often used in gender-affirming treatment, function as sterilization drugs.
Musk’s comments about his daughter come shortly after he announced plans for Tesla and his other companies to relocate to Texas, citing California’s AB1955 legislation, which restricts parental notification regarding students identifying as transgender. Musk has faced allegations of transphobia and anti-trans messaging in the past.
In 2022, Wilson filed for a name change and expressed in court documents her desire to sever ties with her father entirely. According to Walter Isaacson’s biography of Musk, the strained relationship with his daughter has influenced his recently more conservative viewpoints.
Historically recognized for his moderate political stance, Musk has aligned more with right-wing ideologies, discussing topics ranging from diversity policies to immigration. Recently, he endorsed the Republican presidential ticket featuring former President Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance, both known for their support of the fossil fuel industry and opposition to clean energy initiatives.