Tesla CEO Elon Musk has stated that he feels his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” following her gender-affirming care. During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, broadcast on Monday, Musk labeled gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He mentioned that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, came out as transgender at the age of 16 and received medical care during the pandemic.
Musk expressed that he felt deceived into signing documents regarding his child’s treatment, citing the confusion during the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns that she might be suicidal. He criticized the medical practices involving minors, referring to them as “incredibly evil,” and suggested that anyone supporting such measures should be imprisoned. Musk, who is a father of 12, also claimed he was not made aware that puberty blockers effectively function as sterilization drugs.
He lamented, “I was tricked into doing this. I lost my son, essentially,” emphasizing the emotional impact of his daughter’s transition on their relationship. His remarks coincided with his announcement of relocating his companies, including X and SpaceX, from California to Texas, in response to the state’s AB1955 legislation, which impacts how schools handle the recognition of transgender students.
In 2022, Musk’s daughter sought a name change and a new birth certificate, stating in court documents that she wished to sever ties with her biological father completely. Musk has attributed their strained relationship to her progressive education in Los Angeles, as suggested in a biography by Walter Isaacson, which links this split to Musk’s recent “anti-woke” sentiments.
Once known for his moderate political stance, Musk has increasingly adopted right-wing views, encompassing various topics from diversity policies to electoral integrity. Earlier this month, he endorsed the Republican presidential ticket featuring former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom advocate for fossil fuels and oppose clean energy initiatives.