Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made controversial statements regarding his transgender daughter, claiming she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. In an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk expressed a strong opposition to such medical treatments, labeling gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He revealed that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who came out as transgender at the age of 16, underwent gender-affirming care during the pandemic.
Musk disclosed that he felt misled into signing documents regarding his child’s transition, stating this took place when he was not fully informed and amid the chaos of COVID-19. He has suggested that he was led to believe his child was at risk of suicide, which influenced his decisions. Musk has voiced his belief that such procedures are being performed on minors “far below the age of consent” and agrees with Peterson’s view that promoting these practices is “incredibly evil” and should be punishable by imprisonment.
He further claimed he was not adequately informed that puberty blockers could be considered “sterilization drugs,” despite understanding that they typically do not affect fertility on their own. Musk lamented a sense of loss regarding his son, stating that the term “deadnaming” reflects a profound personal impact.
These remarks come shortly after Musk announced that his companies, including Tesla and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas, largely in response to California’s AB1955, which supports LGBTQ+ rights and prevents schools from being required to inform parents if their child identifies as transgender. Musk has faced allegations of promoting anti-trans messaging in the past.
In 2022, his daughter sought a name change and a new birth certificate, indicating her desire to sever ties with Musk, whom she referred to as her biological father. According to Walter Isaacson’s biography, Musk attributes his estrangement from Wilson to her progressive education in Los Angeles, connecting this dynamic to his outspoken anti-woke rhetoric.
Recently, Musk has shifted from his previously center-left political views to embrace right-wing ideologies, aligning himself with Republican figures such as former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both critics of clean energy initiatives.