Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk recently voiced his controversial opinions regarding his estranged transgender daughter during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson. Musk claimed that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, was “killed” by the gender-affirming care she received, which has prompted him to express his determination to combat what he describes as the “woke mind virus.”
Musk, who oversees companies including X, denounced gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He revealed that Wilson began her transition during the pandemic when she was 16 years old. During the interview, he expressed regret about signing documents related to her care, stating that he was misinformed at the time and concerned about her mental health.
Musk argued that such medical procedures are often encouraged for children below the age of consent, echoing Peterson’s sentiment that the practice is “incredibly evil” and should warrant imprisonment for its advocates. Musk further alleged that he was not adequately informed that puberty blockers, which do not impact fertility on their own, could be classified as sterilization drugs.
He lamented the loss of his son, as Wilson adopted a new name and sought to sever familial ties, stating that the term “deadnaming” reflects his feelings of loss. Musk’s statements come in light of his recent announcement that his companies would relocate to Texas, influenced by California’s legislation regarding transgender youth and parental notification.
In 2022, Wilson applied for a name change, citing a desire to distance herself from Musk. His estrangement from her has been attributed, in part, to the influence of her progressive education, which Musk has criticized. Over the years, Musk has shifted from a center-left political stance to adopting more right-wing views on various social issues, including his recent endorsement of Republican candidates tied to the oil industry and anti-clean energy policies.