Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently expressed his views on his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who he claims was “killed” through gender-affirming care. During an interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson, Musk described gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” emphasizing his negative stance on such procedures for minors.
Musk disclosed that his daughter came out as transgender at the age of 16 after receiving gender-affirming care during the pandemic. He mentioned feeling misled into signing documents for her transition, stating that he was informed at the time that she might be at risk of suicide. He stated, “I was tricked into doing this. I lost my son, essentially,” referring to the feelings surrounding his daughter’s transition and the term “deadnaming.”
In his comments, Musk criticized the practice of gender-affirming care for children who are under the age of consent and aligned with Peterson’s belief that promoting such care is harmful. He controversially claimed that the effects of puberty blockers were not fully explained to him, mischaracterizing them as “sterilization drugs,” despite the fact that these blockers alone do not directly affect fertility.
These remarks follow Musk’s announcement that his companies, including Tesla and SpaceX, will relocate to Texas, partly in response to California legislation that aims to support LGBT+ children without requiring parental notification for their gender identity. Musk’s relationship with his daughter has been strained, as she applied for a name change in 2022, indicating she no longer wishes to be connected to him.
Musk has shifted his political views in recent years, adopting a more right-leaning stance and expressing support for the Republican party, including endorsing former President Donald Trump.