Tesla CEO Elon Musk has stirred controversy with his recent remarks about his estranged transgender daughter, claiming she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk expressed his strong disapproval of gender-reassignment surgery, labeling it “child mutilation and sterilization.” He stated that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, began her transition during the pandemic and came out as transgender at the age of 16.
Musk described feeling misled when he signed documents regarding Wilson’s care, mentioning that he was under pressure due to concerns about her mental health during COVID-19, which created a sense of confusion. He reiterated his belief that children should not undergo such procedures, asserting that it is “incredibly evil” and that those who promote it deserve imprisonment. Musk, a father of 12, claimed he was not fully informed that puberty blockers could be classified as sterilization drugs, although puberty blockers themselves do not have direct effects on fertility.
“I was tricked into doing this,” Musk lamented, feeling he had essentially lost his son. He noted that the term ‘deadnaming’ reflects his loss, as it symbolizes the end of his relationship with his son.
These comments come shortly after Musk announced that his companies, including X and SpaceX, would be relocating to Texas, partly due to California’s AB1955, known as the SAFETY Act. This legislation prohibits schools from enforcing rules that notify parents if their child identifies as transgender and mandates state support for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced accusations of promoting transphobia and anti-trans rhetoric in the past.
In 2022, Wilson sought a name change and a new birth certificate, citing her desire to disassociate from Musk. His estrangement from her has been linked by some to his growing “anti-woke” rhetoric. Over recent years, Musk has shifted from his previously moderate political stance towards right-wing views, addressing issues such as diversity, election integrity, and immigration. Recently, he endorsed the Republican ticket featuring former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom are aligned with pro-oil policies and resist clean energy initiatives.