Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial statements regarding his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson. During an interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson, Musk claimed that his daughter was “killed” following her gender-affirming care. He expressed his intent to “destroy the woke mind virus” and described gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.”
Musk disclosed that Wilson came out as transgender at age 16 and underwent gender-affirming care during the pandemic. He expressed regret, stating that he felt “tricked” into signing documents related to her care, especially during a time of confusion due to COVID-19. He said he was informed that Wilson, who no longer carries his last name, might be at risk of suicide, leading to his involvement.
According to Musk, this care is performed on children “who are far below the age of consent,” aligning with Peterson in viewing it as “incredibly evil.” He also criticized the lack of clarity regarding the implications of puberty blockers, which he claimed he was misinformed about, although these blockers do not inherently affect fertility.
Musk further lamented, “I lost my son, essentially,” emphasizing the significance of “deadnaming” in relation to the loss he feels regarding his relationship with Wilson.
These remarks come shortly after Musk announced that his companies, including X and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas, partially in response to California’s legislation that protects transgender students by mandating schools not to notify parents if a child identifies as transgender. Musk has previously faced accusations of transphobia and anti-trans messaging.
Wilson, in 2022, filed for a name change and requested a new birth certificate, stating she no longer wished to be linked to her biological father. In the biography by Walter Isaacson, Musk has suggested that their strained relationship stems from her progressive schooling in Los Angeles, which he associates with her transformation into an “anti-woke” figure.
In recent years, Musk’s political views have shifted significantly toward right-wing ideologies, distancing himself from his previously center-left stance. He has also recently endorsed Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, aligning himself with politicians who favor traditional energy sectors and oppose clean energy initiatives.