Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made headlines for his controversial remarks regarding his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, claiming that her decision to receive gender-affirming care has led to her being “killed.” Musk expressed these sentiments during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, where he labeled gender reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.”
Musk explained that his daughter came out as transgender at the age of 16 and received care during the COVID-19 pandemic. He recounted feeling misled about the support documents he signed for her, mentioning he was under the impression that she might be at risk for suicide. He criticized the medical procedures provided to children, saying they are performed on those “far below the age of consent,” and echoed Peterson’s assertion that those advocating for such practices should face imprisonment. Musk claimed he was not adequately informed that puberty blockers could be viewed as sterilization drugs, a statement that has been challenged by medical experts, who clarify that puberty blockers do not directly impact fertility.
Musk articulated his personal loss, stating, “I lost my son, essentially,” and commented on the term “deadnaming,” suggesting it reflects a deeper loss. His statements come in the context of his recent decisions to relocate his companies, including SpaceX and X Corp, to Texas in protest of California’s AB1955, which restricts schools from notifying parents about their child’s transgender identity.
Vivian, who has distanced herself from her father, legally changed her name in 2022 and expressed a desire to sever ties with Musk through court filings. Musk previously attributed their strained relationship to the influence of her progressive school in Los Angeles, and his biography indicated that this rift informs his “anti-woke” sentiments.
In recent times, Musk has shifted from his historically center-left political stance to adopting increasingly right-wing views, particularly in relation to discussions on diversity, election integrity, and environmental policies. He has also endorsed the Republican presidential ticket of former president Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both known for their support of the oil industry and opposition to clean energy initiatives.