Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently expressed deep concerns regarding his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, claiming that she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. In a conversation with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk criticized gender-reassignment surgery, labeling it as “child mutilation and sterilization.” Wilson came out as transgender at the age of 16 and received care during the pandemic.
Musk revealed that he felt misled into signing documents related to Wilson’s care, stating that he was told the decision was critical to avoid a potential suicide. He emphasized that children undergoing such procedures are often below the legal age of consent, aligning with Peterson’s characterization of the practice as “incredibly evil,” suggesting that advocates for it should face imprisonment.
The billionaire also claimed that he was never properly informed about the implications of puberty blockers, which he referred to as “sterilization drugs,” despite their medical classification not necessarily equating to effects on fertility. Musk lamented that he felt he lost his son, associating the term “deadnaming” with the emotional impact of his daughter’s gender transition.
His remarks follow his announcement that X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas, citing California’s AB1955, legislation that restricts schools from informing parents when their child identifies as transgender and mandates state resources for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans narratives in the past.
In 2022, Wilson requested a name change and a new birth certificate, indicating she no longer wished to be connected to her biological father. Musk attributed their estrangement to her progressive schooling in Los Angeles, with his biography author Walter Isaacson suggesting that this personal conflict has influenced Musk’s anti-woke rhetoric.
Over the years, Musk has shifted from his historically center-left stance to adopt more right-wing views, particularly on topics like diversity, election integrity, and immigration. He recently endorsed former president Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom support the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.