Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made headlines for his controversial comments regarding his estranged transgender daughter, whom he claims was “killed” after undergoing gender-affirming care. Musk expressed his views during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, where he voiced a strong opposition to gender-reassignment surgery, labeling it as “child mutilation and sterilization.”
Musk’s daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, publicly came out as transgender at the age of 16 and received gender-affirming care during the pandemic. Musk remarked that he felt “tricked” into signing documents related to his daughter’s transition and expressed concern about the potential consequences, including the claim that she might have contemplated suicide. He emphasized that children undergoing such procedures are often too young to provide informed consent and stated that anyone promoting this form of care should face imprisonment.
In the interview, Musk also claimed that he was never informed that puberty blockers could be classified as sterilization drugs, although medical experts clarify that puberty blockers do not intrinsically affect fertility. He expressed deep emotional distress, stating that he feels he has lost his son, referring to the practice of “deadnaming,” which he believes underscores the loss of his relationship with his daughter.
These remarks come in the wake of Musk’s announcement that his companies, including X and SpaceX, will relocate to Texas, influenced by California’s legislation that requires parental notification for schools regarding a child’s transgender identity and mandates resources for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced ongoing accusations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans messages.
Vivian Jenna Wilson sought a name change and new birth certificate in 2022, stating in court documents her desire to sever ties with her father. Musk has attributed the strained relationship to the progressive school she attended in Los Angeles, and authors have suggested that this estrangement has contributed to his shift towards anti-woke rhetoric.
Over recent years, Musk has moved away from his previous center-left political stance, embracing more right-wing views, particularly on issues such as diversity initiatives, immigration, and election integrity. He has also publicly endorsed the Republican presidential ticket of former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, who are known for their support of the oil industry and opposition to clean energy initiatives.