Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial statements regarding his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, claiming she was “killed” following her gender-affirming care. This declaration was made during an interview with Jordan Peterson, a psychologist and conservative commentator, as Musk vowed to combat what he refers to as the “woke mind virus.”
Musk described gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” stating that his daughter came out as transgender at the age of 16, during the pandemic. He expressed regret over signing documents for her treatment, which he said occurred amid confusion caused by the pandemic and potential concerns for her mental well-being.
In the interview, Musk indicated that such procedures are being performed on children below the age of consent and echoed Peterson’s sentiment that promoting these practices is “incredibly evil.” He further asserted that he was misinformed about puberty blockers, claiming he was not told they act as sterilization drugs, despite research indicating that puberty blockers do not directly affect fertility.
Musk expressed his feelings of loss, stating, “I lost my son, essentially,” referring to the concept of “deadnaming,” which he believes signifies the death of his relationship with Wilson.
His remarks come shortly after he announced plans to relocate his companies, including X and SpaceX, to Texas, influenced by California’s AB1955 SAFETY Act that limits parental notification regarding transgender identification in schools. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and anti-trans messaging in the past.
In 2022, Wilson applied for a name change and requested a new birth certificate, stating in court documents that she wishes to sever ties with her biological father. Musk has indicated that their fractured relationship stems from Wilson’s progressive schooling in Los Angeles, which he claims has influenced her views and actions against him.
Over recent years, Musk has shifted from his previous center-left political stance to embrace right-wing rhetoric on various issues, including diversity, election integrity, and immigration. Earlier this month, he publicly endorsed the Republican presidential ticket featuring former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom support fossil fuel industries and oppose clean energy initiatives.