Tesla CEO Elon Musk expressed his controversial views regarding gender-affirming care during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson. Musk, who oversees several companies including X, referred to gender-reassignment procedures as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He discussed his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who identifies as transgender and began receiving gender-affirming care during the pandemic at the age of 16.
Musk claimed he felt misled into consenting to treatments for Wilson, saying he was concerned about her mental health amid the pandemic. He stated, “I was essentially tricked into signing documents for one of my older boys,” referencing Wilson, who has distanced herself from him. He described the situation as confusing and alarming, fearing for his child’s well-being.
Musk criticized the medical procedures performed on children, particularly those below the age of consent, and aligned with Peterson’s view that promoting such treatments is “incredibly evil.” He asserted that he was unaware that puberty blockers could be considered sterilization drugs, despite their classification not directly affecting fertility.
He lamented the loss of his son, framing the experience as one of “deadnaming,” which he believes signifies a loss of identity. Musk’s remarks came shortly after he declared that his companies, including X and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas in response to California’s legislation regarding transgender minors.
In 2022, Wilson legally changed her name and sought a new birth certificate, indicating a desire to sever ties with her biological father. Musk has attributed their estrangement to views promoted by her progressive school in Los Angeles. His evolving political stance has shifted significantly to the right in recent years, moving away from his previous center-left positions to endorse various conservative policies, including support for the Republican party, which advocates for traditional energy sources over clean energy.