Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently expressed his views on gender-affirming care during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson. He controversially claimed that his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care, leading him to pledge to “destroy the woke mind virus.” Musk described gender-reassignment surgeries as “child mutilation and sterilization,” expressing significant concern over the treatment of minors who he believes are not old enough to provide consent.
During the interview, Musk reflected on Wilson’s transition, stating that he felt “tricked” into signing documents for her when she came out as transgender at the age of 16, amid confusion due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed regret over the decisions made regarding her care, arguing that it was not fully explained to him that puberty blockers are effectively sterilization drugs. Musk emphasized the emotional toll on him, asserting that he has essentially lost his son, citing the term “deadnaming” as indicative of that loss.
His remarks come shortly after announcing that X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas in response to California’s AB1955, legislation that limits parental notification regarding a child’s transgender identity while promoting resources for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced criticism in the past for being accused of transphobia and for endorsing anti-trans talking points.
In 2022, Wilson applied for a name change and a new birth certificate, stating in court documents that she no longer wished to be associated with Musk. The cooling relationship between father and daughter has been highlighted as a significant influence on Musk’s current political and social viewpoints, which have shifted towards right-wing rhetoric in recent years.