Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made controversial remarks regarding his transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, stating that she was “killed” after undergoing gender-affirming care. During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk expressed his opposition to gender-reassignment surgeries, referring to them as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He explained that Wilson, who came out as trans at the age of 16, received this care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Musk claimed he was misled into providing consent for Wilson’s medical transition, suggesting that he was coerced by concerns over her mental health and potential suicidal ideation. He expressed regret and frustration, saying, “I was tricked into doing this. I lost my son, essentially.” The billionaire criticized the practice of administering puberty blockers to minors, stating that it should be considered “incredibly evil,” and argued that promoters of such care should face imprisonment. Musk also asserted that he was never adequately informed that puberty blockers could lead to permanent sterilization.
His remarks come in the wake of his companies, including X and SpaceX, planning to relocate to Texas due to California’s AB1955, the SAFETY Act, which places limitations on parental notifications regarding transgender identification in schools. Musk’s comments have drawn attention to his evolving political stance, as he has increasingly aligned himself with right-wing ideologies, particularly on issues related to LGBTQ+ rights and social policy.
Musk’s daughter legally changed her name in 2022 and expressed her desire to sever ties with her father. In a biography by Walter Isaacson, Musk attributed his strained relationship with Wilson to her progressive education in Los Angeles, linking it to his broader “anti-woke sentiments.” Over the years, Musk has shifted from center-left views to align more with right-wing positions, recently endorsing the Republican presidential ticket of Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance.