Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently expressed strong views regarding his estranged transgender daughter, claiming she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk stated his intention to combat what he called the “woke mind virus.”
Musk described gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” and mentioned that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, came out as transgender at the age of 16 and received such care during the pandemic. He expressed regret about signing documents related to medical care for Wilson, stating he felt misled and concerned about the potential for suicide at that time.
He criticized the medical practices regarding transgender youth, stating they are often applied to children who are below the age of consent, and he agrees with Peterson that those who promote such procedures should face imprisonment. Musk, who has 12 children and has frequently discussed issues of fertility, claimed he was never informed that puberty blockers serve as sterilization drugs, although they do not affect fertility on their own.
Musk shared his pain over what he views as the loss of his son, stating that the term “deadnaming” signifies the death of his relationship with Wilson, who has chosen to distance herself from Musk’s family name.
His remarks have gained attention shortly after he announced that his companies, including X and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas, citing California’s recent legislation, AB1955, which restricts parental notification regarding a child’s transgender identification and aims to provide resources for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans narratives in the past.
In 2022, Wilson sought a name change and a new birth certificate, indicating she no longer wishes to be associated with Musk. According to Walter Isaacson’s biography, Musk attributes the fractured relationship to Wilson’s progressive education. Over the years, Musk has shifted from center-left to more right-wing viewpoints, recently endorsing the Republican presidential ticket that includes former president Donald Trump and U.S. Senator J.D. Vance, both known for their opposition to clean energy initiatives.