Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk made controversial statements regarding his transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson. Musk described his daughter’s gender-affirming care as resulting in her being “killed” and expressed a desire to “destroy the woke mind virus,” calling gender-reassignment surgery “child mutilation and sterilization.”
Musk revealed that Wilson, who identifies as trans and changed her name in 2022, received gender-affirming care during the pandemic, stating that he felt misled into signing documents about her transition when she was 16. He expressed regret, claiming that he was told she might attempt suicide, which pressured him into supporting her decision without fully understanding the implications.
The CEO criticized the practice of providing medical treatment to children who are below the age of consent, asserting that both he and Peterson believe it to be morally wrong and deserving of legal repercussions. Musk, who has 12 children, claimed he was not made aware that puberty blockers function as sterilization drugs, although they do not affect fertility in isolation.
In his remarks, Musk emphasized feelings of loss regarding his relationship with Wilson, stating, “I lost my son, essentially,” and elaborated on the term “deadnaming,” indicating the pain of losing his connection with his child.
These statements emerged shortly after Musk announced that his companies, including X and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas, in response to California’s SAFETY Act, which aims to support LGBTQ+ children and prevent parental notification regarding their gender identity in schools. In the past, Musk has faced accusations of promoting transphobic views.
Wilson indicated her desire to sever ties with Musk in court filings, which outlined her intentions to change her name and birth certificate. According to biographer Walter Isaacson, Musk has attributed the estrangement to Wilson’s progressive education. Over recent years, Musk has shifted from center-left to increasingly align with right-wing ideologies, including support for the Republican Party’s presidential candidates.