Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently sparked controversy by claiming that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” following her decision to undergo gender-affirming care. During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk expressed his intention to combat what he referred to as the “woke mind virus.”
Musk’s remarks included strong criticism of gender-reassignment surgery, which he described as “child mutilation and sterilization.” His daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, announced her transgender identity at 16 and received gender-affirming care during the pandemic.
Musk stated that he felt misled when he signed documents concerning his daughter, who has since chosen to disassociate from the Musk name. He recalled being told that his child might be at risk of suicide, adding that he lacked awareness of the implications at the time.
He argued that gender-affirming procedures are administered to minors who are not old enough to consent and expressed agreement with Peterson’s view that promoting such practices is “incredibly evil” and deserves severe consequences. Musk also claimed that he was not informed that puberty blockers serve as sterilization drugs, although these medications do not directly impact fertility.
In his comments, Musk expressed a sense of loss regarding his relationship with his daughter, stating, “I lost my son, essentially.” The term “deadnaming,” referring to using a transgender person’s former name, was also highlighted in his discussion about grief over his child’s transition.
These statements followed Musk’s announcement that his companies, including X and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas in response to California’s AB1955, or the SAFETY Act, which limits parental notification regarding a child’s transgender identity. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia in the past.
In 2022, Wilson petitioned for a name change and stated in court documents her desire to sever ties with her biological father. Musk has attributed the estrangement to her progressive education in Los Angeles, which he suggests has influenced her views.
Over the years, Musk has shifted from his formerly centrist political stance to advocating right-wing viewpoints on issues like diversity, election integrity, and immigration. Recently, he publicly endorsed the Republican presidential ticket of former president Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom support the oil sector and oppose clean energy initiatives.