In a recent interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Tesla CEO Elon Musk expressed strong views regarding his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson. Musk controversially claimed that Wilson was “killed” after she received gender-affirming care, asserting that this type of care constitutes “child mutilation and sterilization.”
Musk disclosed that Wilson came out as transgender at the age of 16 and that during the pandemic, he felt pressure to support her transition due to concerns about her mental health. He emphasized that he felt misled into supporting the medical decisions made for her, stating he believed he was acting in her best interest at the time.
During this discussion, Musk condemned practices such as puberty blockers, claiming he was never informed that they could be considered sterilization. He described the emotional impact of this experience, stating, “I lost my son, essentially,” highlighting his feelings of loss regarding his relationship with Wilson, who no longer carries his surname.
These statements came shortly after Musk announced relocations for his companies, including X (formerly Twitter) and SpaceX, to Texas, partly in response to California’s SAFETY Act. This legislation restricts parental notification in schools about children identifying as transgender, which Musk opposes.
Musk’s public comments have reignited discussions about his views on transgender issues, with critics accusing him of promoting anti-trans messaging. His strained relationship with Wilson has been linked to his growing anti-woke sentiments, as noted in Walter Isaacson’s biography of Musk. Historically known for more centrist political views, Musk’s recent comments reflect a shift towards right-wing ideology.
While Musk’s remarks have sparked significant controversy, they underscore the complexities surrounding parental consent and gender-affirming care in youth. The broader conversation about support and understanding for transgender youth continues to evolve, highlighting the need for compassionate dialogue and informed discussions on such sensitive topics.