Tesla CEO Elon Musk expressed grave concerns about gender-affirming care during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson. Musk stated that his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, was effectively “killed” after receiving such care, which he characterized as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He shared that Wilson came out as transgender at 16 and underwent medical treatment during the pandemic.
Musk revealed that he felt misled into consenting to treatment for Wilson, claiming he was informed that she might take drastic actions like suicide. He criticized the practice of providing gender-affirming treatments to minors and agreed with Peterson’s assertion that promoting such treatments is “incredibly evil,” advocating for legal consequences for those who do.
In his comments, Musk noted that he had 12 children and lamented what he perceives as a lack of awareness regarding the implications of puberty blockers, which he suggested were not adequately explained to him. However, medical professionals clarify that puberty blockers do not inherently cause sterilization.
Additionally, Musk’s remarks followed his announcement that X and SpaceX would relocate from California to Texas in response to California’s SAFETY Act, which protects the rights of transgender students. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and anti-trans messaging in the past.
Wilson’s desire to sever ties with Musk became apparent when she filed for a name change and a new birth certificate, stating she wished to no longer be connected to him. Musk has attributed their estrangement to her educational environment in Los Angeles, as discussed in Walter Isaacson’s biography on him. This disconnect is suggested to influence Musk’s growing anti-woke stance.
Historically known for more centrist views, Musk has shifted toward conservative perspectives on a variety of issues, including diversity, election integrity, and immigration. Recently, he endorsed the Republican presidential candidates Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom have strong ties to the oil industry and opposition to clean energy initiatives.