Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial remarks about his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, stating that she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk expressed a desire to “destroy the woke mind virus” and criticized gender-reassignment surgery, referring to it as “child mutilation and sterilization.”
Musk shared that Wilson came out as transgender at the age of 16 and received gender-affirming treatment during the pandemic. He claimed he felt misled into signing necessary documents for her care and voiced concern over the mental health risks, alleging he was told his child might attempt suicide.
He emphasized his belief that such medical procedures are being performed on children who are below the age of consent, agreeing with Peterson that it constitutes an evil act and suggesting that those who promote it should face imprisonment. Musk, who is a father of 12, claimed he was unaware that puberty blockers could lead to sterilization, although it is noted that they do not directly impair fertility on their own.
Musk mourned his daughter’s transition, saying, “I was tricked into doing this. I lost my son, essentially,” highlighting the emotional toll it has taken on him and referencing the term “deadnaming,” which signifies the loss of a connection with Wilson.
The comments come after Musk announced that his companies, including X and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas in response to California’s AB1955, known as the SAFETY Act. This legislation limits school policies regarding parental notification when a child identifies as transgender while mandating state resources for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced criticism in the past for remarks perceived as transphobic.
In 2022, Wilson sought a legal name change to dissociate from her father completely, stating in court documents that she no longer wished to be related to him. Musk attributed their strained relationship to Wilson’s progressive education in Los Angeles, suggesting it influenced her views and his own “anti-woke sentiments.”
Over the years, Musk has shifted politically, moving from center-left stances to embracing more right-wing viewpoints, touching upon topics like diversity initiatives and immigration. Recently, he expressed support for the Republican presidential ticket led by former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom advocate for the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.