Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial remarks about his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, claiming she was “killed” due to receiving gender-affirming care. Musk expressed his thoughts during an interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson, declaring his intention to combat what he describes as the “woke mind virus.”
Musk characterized gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” stating that Wilson, who publicly came out as transgender at age 16, received such care during the pandemic. He mentioned feeling misled into consenting to medical treatment for Wilson, stating, “I was essentially tricked into signing documents for one of my older boys,” and expressed regret over the decisions made amidst the confusion of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He criticized the process of providing gender-affirming care to minors, asserting that it is performed on children who are too young to give consent. Musk echoed Peterson’s sentiments by calling it “incredibly evil” and suggesting that individuals who advocate for such treatments should face imprisonment. Despite his claims, puberty blockers used in these treatments do not inherently lead to infertility.
Musk lamented the loss of his relationship with his daughter, expressing that he feels she is “dead” to him due to her choice to change her name and distance herself from him. His comments come shortly after announcing that Tesla and other companies he leads will be relocating to Texas, in part as a response to California’s legislation affecting the treatment of transgender minors in schools.
Wilson filed to legally change her name in 2022, stating her desire to sever all ties with her biological father. Musk has attributed their strained relationship to the influence of her progressive school in Los Angeles. Over recent years, Musk has shifted his political stance, moving from center-left views to more right-leaning perspectives, particularly on issues like diversity and immigration. He recently endorsed the Republican presidential ticket of Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance, both known for their pro-oil industry positions.