Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently expressed his strong disapproval of gender-affirming care during an interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson, claiming that it led to the “death” of his transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson. Musk called gender-reassignment surgery “child mutilation and sterilization” and claimed he was misled into consenting to care for Wilson, who came out as transgender at age 16 during the pandemic.
Musk reflected on his experience, stating that he felt tricked into signing documents regarding his child’s care without a full understanding of the implications. He voiced concern about the dangers of gender-affirming treatments being applied to minors, agreeing with Peterson that such practices are “incredibly evil” and suggested that those endorsing them should face legal consequences. He articulated that he was not made aware that puberty blockers could serve as sterilization methods, although these medications do not impact fertility on their own.
Moreover, Musk lamented the estrangement from his daughter, referring to “deadnaming,” where individuals are called by their previous name, which he believes signifies the loss of his son. His comments came shortly after announcing moves for X and SpaceX operations to Texas, motivated by California’s AB1955, legislation that restricts parental notification concerning transgender identity in schools and promotes resources for LGBTQ+ youth.
Musk’s strained relationship with Wilson, who legally changed her name and birth certificate in 2022 to dissociate from him, has been attributed to her progressive education in Los Angeles. Walter Isaacson’s biography on Musk suggests that this family issue influences his outspoken anti-woke rhetoric.
In recent years, Musk has shifted from center-left views to adopting more right-wing positions on various issues, including accusations of promoting anti-trans sentiments, previously backing the Republican presidential ticket of Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance.