Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made controversial remarks regarding his estranged transgender daughter, stating that she was “killed” following her gender-affirming care. In an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk labeled gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization” and expressed his intentions to combat what he calls the “woke mind virus.”
Musk discussed his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who received gender-affirming care during the pandemic, revealing that she identified as transgender at the age of 16. He stated that he felt misled into supporting decisions about her care, asserting that the confusion surrounding COVID-19 contributed to his lack of understanding about the issue.
During the conversation, Musk expressed concern about minors undergoing such procedures, labeling it as “incredibly evil.” He indicated that he was not fully informed about puberty blockers, stating he believed they were sterilization drugs, despite evidence that they do not impact fertility alone.
Musk lamented losing his son, claiming that the term “deadnaming” reflects a significant emotional loss. His comments come shortly after he declared that X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas in response to California’s AB1955, which affects how schools notify parents about transgender identities.
Recently, Wilson applied for a legal name change and requested a new birth certificate, stating her desire to no longer be associated with her father. Musk has attributed the strained relationship to her progressive education in Los Angeles, which he believes influenced her views.
Musk’s comments have sparked debates about transphobia and anti-trans messaging, as he transitions from previously center-left political stances to increasingly supporting right-wing ideologies, including endorsing Donald Trump and J.D. Vance.