Tesla CEO Elon Musk made controversial remarks about his estranged transgender daughter, stating that she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, which aired on Monday, Musk described gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” His daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, publicly came out as transgender at the age of 16 and received gender-affirming care during the pandemic.
Musk claimed he felt deceived into approving documents related to his child’s care, expressing concerns over not understanding the situation fully due to the chaos surrounding COVID-19. He mentioned being informed that Wilson might be at risk of suicide at the time. He criticized the practice of providing care to minors who are not of legal consent age, stating he aligns with Peterson’s view that it is “incredibly evil” and suggested that advocates of such treatments should face imprisonment.
In discussing the issue, Musk expressed regret, saying, “I was tricked into doing this. I lost my son, essentially.” He asserted that the term “deadnaming” reflects the death of his relationship with his child, who has distanced herself from him following her transition.
These comments came shortly after Musk announced the relocation of X and SpaceX to Texas, partly in response to California’s SAFETY Act, which limits parental notification regarding transgender identification in schools. Musk has faced allegations of transphobia and anti-trans messaging in the past.
His daughter sought legal changes in 2022 to sever ties with her father, indicating a desire to not be related to him. According to biographer Walter Isaacson, Musk attributes the estrangement to the progressive education system in Los Angeles. In recent years, Musk has shifted from centrist views to embrace more right-wing ideologies, especially regarding issues such as diversity and immigration. Earlier this month, he expressed support for the Republican presidential candidates, including former president Donald Trump.