Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made controversial remarks regarding his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, claiming that she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk criticized gender-reassignment surgery, labeling it as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He noted that Wilson came out as transgender at the age of 16 and received gender-affirming care during the pandemic.
Musk expressed regret for signing documents related to his daughter’s care, stating that he was misled and believed it was a matter of life or death due to concerns about suicide. He argued that procedures being performed on minors who are not of legal consent age are “incredibly evil” and suggested that those advocating for these practices should face imprisonment. Musk, who has 12 children, claimed that he was unaware that puberty blockers could be viewed as sterilization drugs, despite these medications not directly impacting fertility.
He expressed sorrow over feeling that he has “lost” his son, saying that the term “deadnaming” reflects the pain of his son’s perceived death.
These comments follow Musk’s announcement that his companies, including X and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas in response to California’s AB1955, legislation that prohibits schools from mandating parental notification if a child identifies as transgender. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans sentiment in the past.
In 2022, Wilson applied for a name change and a new birth certificate, stating in court documents her desire to sever ties with her biological father. Musk has attributed the strained relationship with Wilson to the influence of her progressive school in Los Angeles, suggesting it has fueled his anti-woke attitudes.
Musk’s political stance has shifted markedly in recent years, moving from center-left to adopting more right-wing viewpoints on various issues, including diversity and immigration. Recently, he endorsed the Republican ticket featuring former President Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom are aligned with the oil industry and critical of clean energy initiatives.