Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made controversial statements regarding his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, claiming that after receiving gender-affirming care, she was “killed.” During a recent interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk referred to gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” expressing his disapproval of such medical interventions for minors.
Musk explained that Wilson, who came out as transgender at the age of 16, received gender-affirming care amid the pandemic. He stated he felt misled into agreeing to documents concerning his daughter’s care, claiming there was a heightened sense of urgency at the time due to concerns about her potential suicidal tendencies.
He criticized the medical practices that allow such treatments for children, whom he described as being “far below the age of consent,” and voiced his agreement with Peterson’s views that these practices are “incredibly evil.” Musk expressed grievances over not being informed that puberty blockers could be interpreted as sterilization drugs, although it is important to note that puberty blockers do not directly affect fertility.
He lamented over the impact on his family, stating, “I was tricked into doing this. I lost my son, essentially.” Musk further elaborated on the emotional implications of “deadnaming,” a term assigned to the practice of referring to a transgender person by their birth name, stating that it signifies the loss of his son.
Musk’s remarks follow his announcement that his companies, including X and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas due to concerns over California’s new legislation aimed at supporting LGBTQ+ youth. His estrangement from his daughter, who sought a name change and a new birth certificate last year to distance herself from him, has been linked to his vocal opposition to what he refers to as “woke” ideologies.
Over recent years, Musk has shifted from his previous center-left political stance to align more closely with right-wing viewpoints, addressing various social issues and expressing support for political candidates like former President Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom advocate against clean energy and support the oil industry.