Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently expressed his controversial views regarding gender-affirming care during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson. Musk claimed that his transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, was “killed” by receiving such care, leading him to pledge to combat what he termed the “woke mind virus.”
Musk referred to gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” criticizing its availability to minors. He revealed that his daughter came out as transgender at 16 and had started her transition during the pandemic. He alleged that he felt coerced into agreeing to the necessary documentation, stating that he was unaware of the full implications at the time. “I was essentially tricked into signing documents for one of my older boys,” he said, using Wilson’s previous name.
Musk claimed he was informed that his child might be at risk of suicide, contributing to his decision. He expressed strong disapproval of gender-affirming treatments for children and stated that he believed anyone promoting such medical interventions should face imprisonment. He argued that puberty blockers are fundamentally sterilization drugs, despite medical consensus that they do not affect fertility on their own.
In his emotional statements, Musk lamented, “I lost my son, essentially,” asserting that the terminology surrounding transitioning, such as “deadnaming,” carries significant emotional weight.
These remarks followed Musk’s announcement that his companies, including X and SpaceX, would be relocating to Texas, partially as a response to California’s recent SAFETY Act legislation. This law prohibits schools from requiring parental notification when a child identifies as transgender and aims to provide resources for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced backlash for perceived anti-trans rhetoric over the years.
In 2022, Wilson sought a name change and new birth certificate, specifying in court documents that she wished to sever ties with Musk entirely. He has attributed their strained relationship to her time at a progressive school in Los Angeles, which he claims has influenced her views.
Musk’s political stance has shifted notably in recent years, as he has adopted more right-wing perspectives, particularly around issues like diversity, election integrity, and energy policy. Recently, he endorsed the Republican presidential candidates Donald Trump and J.D. Vance, both of whom support the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.