Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently expressed his controversial views regarding his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who has identified as transgender. In an interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson, Musk claimed that his estranged daughter was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care, and he vowed to combat what he described as the “woke mind virus.” He criticized gender reassignment surgery, calling it “child mutilation and sterilization.”
Musk revealed that Wilson came out as transgender at the age of 16 and received care during the pandemic. He stated that he felt misled into signing documents related to her transition, as he was under intense pressure amid the chaos of COVID-19 and was concerned about Wilson’s mental health. He expressed regret, claiming to have lost a son and criticized the terminology “deadnaming,” arguing it signifies that his son is effectively gone.
He further lamented that the implications of puberty blockers as sterilization drugs were never clearly communicated to him. Musk has publicly denounced the practice of gender-affirming procedures for children, stating that he aligns with Peterson in deeming it “incredibly evil” and suggesting that those promoting such treatments should face imprisonment.
His comments followed the decision to relocate X and SpaceX to Texas in light of California legislation (AB1955) concerning transgender youth rights, which Musk has opposed. His daughter’s name change and desire to sever ties with him, as outlined in court documents, have been a source of conflict, which Musk attributes to her progressive education in Los Angeles.
Musk’s political views have shifted over the years, increasingly aligning with right-wing ideologies, especially regarding topics like diversity, election fraud, and immigration. He recently endorsed the Republican presidential ticket featuring former President Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance, both known for their support of fossil fuels and opposition to clean energy initiatives.