Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently expressed his controversial views regarding gender-affirming care during an interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson, claiming that his estranged daughter was “killed” by the procedures she received. Musk described gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” and stated that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, began her transition during the pandemic at age 16.
He recounted that he felt misled when he signed documents for his child, stating there was significant confusion at the time due to the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns about suicidal tendencies. Musk criticized the idea of allowing children below the age of consent to undergo such procedures, calling it “incredibly evil,” and suggested that those advocating for it should face imprisonment.
Musk, who has twelve children, claimed he was unaware that puberty blockers could sterilize children, although medical experts note that puberty blockers do not affect fertility. He lamented that he feels he lost his son, referring to the experience as akin to “deadnaming” because it signifies a loss.
These statements come shortly after Musk announced that his companies, including X and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas in response to California’s SAFETY Act, which restricts parental notifications regarding transgender identity in schools. Musk has previously faced allegations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans narratives.
His daughter sought a name change and a new birth certificate in 2022, stating in court she wanted to dissociate from Musk entirely. Musk has attributed his fractured relationship with her to her education in a progressive school. Over recent years, Musk’s political stances have shifted from center-left to more right-leaning views on various issues, including diversity and environmental policies.