Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk has made controversial remarks regarding his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, claiming she was “killed” after undergoing gender-affirming care. During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk characterized gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” expressing strong opposition to such medical practices for minors.
Musk revealed that Wilson, who came out as transgender at 16, received gender-affirming care during the COVID-19 pandemic. He mentioned feeling misled into signing documents concerning Wilson’s care, stating, “This was really before I had any understanding of what was going on.” He suggested that confusion during the pandemic contributed to his decision-making at the time, fueled by concerns over potential suicidal thoughts regarding his child.
He reiterated his belief that children below the legal age of consent should not undergo such procedures, aligning with Peterson’s assertion that promoting these practices is “incredibly evil.” Musk also claimed that he was not informed that puberty blockers could act as sterilization drugs, though experts clarify that puberty blockers do not on their own impact fertility.
Musk described the emotional toll of his daughter’s transition, stating, “I lost my son, essentially,” adding that the term ‘deadnaming’ signifies the loss he feels. These statements emerged shortly after Musk announced that X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas due to California’s legislation related to transgender youth support, which Musk has criticized in the past. His daughter sought a name change and a new birth certificate last year, expressing a desire to sever ties with Musk entirely.
As Musk’s stance has shifted towards more conservative views in recent years, he has faced accusations of promoting anti-trans sentiments. He has also recently endorsed Republican candidates, displaying a notable departure from his previously more progressive political alignment.