Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial remarks regarding his 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 shared that Wilson, who was 16 at the time, came out as transgender during the pandemic.
Musk expressed feelings of being misled, particularly mentioning that he had to sign documents concerning Wilson’s care without fully understanding the situation, especially amid the confusion caused by COVID-19. He indicated that he was informed that his child might be at risk of suicide, which influenced his decision.
The CEO condemned the practice of gender-affirming treatment for minors who are below the age of consent, echoing Peterson’s sentiments that promoting such practices is “incredibly evil.” Musk also claimed that he was not informed that puberty blockers are essentially sterilization drugs, despite the fact that these blockers alone do not directly impact fertility.
Musk described his emotional turmoil regarding the estrangement from his child, stating, “I lost my son, essentially.” He highlighted the significance of the term “deadnaming,” reflecting a profound sense of loss.
This interview comes shortly after Musk announced plans to relocate X and SpaceX to Texas, aligning with his stance against California’s AB1955, or the SAFETY Act. This legislation prohibits schools from enforcing rules that would require parental notification if a child identifies as transgender and compels the State Department to offer resources to LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced accusations of promoting anti-trans sentiments in the past.
In 2022, Wilson sought a legal name change, stating that she no longer wants to be connected to her biological father in any way. Musk has attributed the rift in their relationship to Wilson’s progressive education in Los Angeles. According to biographer Walter Isaacson, this strained relationship has contributed to Musk’s pronounced anti-woke rhetoric.
Over the past few years, Musk has shifted from his previously moderate political stance to embrace right-wing ideologies, extending his views to various issues such as diversity initiatives and immigration. Recently, he endorsed the Republican presidential ticket of former President Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom advocate for the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.