Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial statements regarding his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson. During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk claimed that his daughter was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. He expressed his determination to “destroy the woke mind virus” in the wake of these events.
Musk described gender reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” stating that Wilson came out as trans at the age of 16 after receiving gender-affirming care during the pandemic. He reflected on a time when he felt pressured into signing documents concerning his daughter’s care due to a fear that she might commit suicide.
He criticized the practice of administering such treatments to children who are below the age of consent, echoing Peterson’s view that it is “incredibly evil” and that those who promote it should face imprisonment. Musk, who has a total of 12 children, claimed he was misled about the implications of puberty blockers, asserting that he was not informed that they could lead to sterilization.
Musk lamented, “I was tricked into doing this. I lost my son, essentially,” referring to the loss of his relationship with Wilson, who has distanced herself from him and requested a name change to sever ties.
These remarks come shortly after Musk disclosed plans for his companies, including SpaceX and X, to relocate to Texas, citing concerns over California’s legislation, specifically the SAFETY Act. This law prohibits schools from notifying parents if their child identifies as transgender. Musk has faced accusations of promoting anti-transgender sentiments and has increasingly aligned himself with right-wing positions on various issues.
Wilson’s application for a name change and a new birth certificate underscores the significant rift between her and Musk, with court documents indicating her desire to disconnect completely from her father. This estrangement has been linked to Musk’s evolving political views, which have shifted from center-left to right-wing ideologies, as noted by biographer Walter Isaacson. Recently, Musk also endorsed the Republican presidential ticket, aligning himself with figures who are oppositional to clean energy initiatives.