Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently expressed that he feels his transgender daughter was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk shared his concerns about gender-reassignment surgery, referring to it as “child mutilation and sterilization.” His daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, came out as transgender at 16 and received care during the pandemic.
Musk revealed that he felt misled into agreeing to medical procedures for his child, stating that he was under significant confusion due to the pandemic and was warned that his child might be suicidal. He criticized the treatment of children below the age of consent, aligning with Peterson’s view that such practices are “incredibly evil,” suggesting that advocates of these procedures should face imprisonment. Musk claimed he was not informed that puberty blockers were effectively sterilization drugs, though it should be noted that puberty blockers themselves do not directly impact fertility.
He described his experience as having lost his son and condemned the practice of “deadnaming,” stating that it signifies the death of his previous relationship with his child. Musk’s comments emerged shortly after his announcement that companies under his leadership, including X and SpaceX, would be relocating to Texas due to California’s new SAFETY Act. This legislation prohibits schools from informing parents if their child identifies as transgender, while also directing the State Department to help support LGBTQ+ youth.
Musk’s estrangement from his daughter has been highlighted as a factor in his increasing anti-woke rhetoric, which seems to conflict with his previously more moderate political views. Over recent years, he has shifted towards endorsing right-wing positions, notably supporting figures within the Republican party, such as former president Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance.