Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently expressed his strong views regarding gender-affirming care for transgender youth during a discussion with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson. In the interview, Musk stated that his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, was “killed” by the care she received, emphasizing his commitment to combat what he referred to as the “woke mind virus.”
Musk labeled gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” revealing that Wilson came out as transgender at the age of 16 and received gender-affirming care during the COVID-19 pandemic. He claimed that he felt deceived into signing documents related to his daughter’s transition and expressed concern over the lack of understanding he had at the time.
Musk voiced his belief that such procedures are administered to minors who are not of legal consent age. He agreed with Peterson’s assertion that promoting these practices is “incredibly evil,” suggesting that advocates of such measures should face imprisonment. The billionaire, a father of 12, also stated that he was not adequately informed about puberty blockers, asserting that they are akin to sterilization drugs, despite the fact that puberty blockers do not directly impact fertility.
Reflecting on his relationship with his daughter, Musk stated, “I lost my son, essentially,” and remarked on the concept of “deadnaming,” highlighting his sense of loss regarding Wilson’s new identity.
Musk’s remarks come on the heels of his announcement that X and SpaceX will relocate to Texas, joining Tesla due to concerns over California’s AB1955 legislation, which limits parental notification in schools concerning children identifying as transgender.
In previous instances, Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans rhetoric. Wilson sought a name change in 2022, stating her desire to dissociate from her father entirely. Musk has attributed the split to the influence of her progressive school in Los Angeles and has suggested that his fraught relationship with her has fueled his “anti-woke” ideology.
Over recent years, Musk, once seen as a center-left figure, has increasingly aligned with right-wing views, addressing issues such as diversity policies, election fraud, and immigration. Most recently, he endorsed the Republican presidential campaign of former President Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance, both advocates of the oil industry and critics of clean energy initiatives.