Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial comments regarding his transgender daughter, who he claims was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. During an interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson, Musk expressed his strong opposition to such medical procedures, labeling them as “child mutilation and sterilization.” Musk discussed his daughter’s transition, noting that Vivian Jenna Wilson came out as transgender at the age of 16, after undergoing treatment during the pandemic.
Musk revealed that he felt deceived into allowing his child to receive this care, mentioning that he signed documents amidst confusion related to COVID-19 and was alarmed by fears for Wilson’s mental health, including concerns that she might attempt suicide. He alleged that gender-affirming procedures are administered to minors who are below the age of consent and echoed Peterson’s sentiments, calling the practice “incredibly evil” and suggesting that advocates of such treatments should face imprisonment.
He described a profound sense of loss regarding his son, emphasizing that the term “deadnaming” signifies a severed relationship. Musk also claimed he was unaware that puberty blockers were, in his view, akin to sterilization drugs, though it is important to note that puberty blockers do not directly affect fertility.
These remarks follow Musk’s announcement that X and SpaceX will relocate to Texas due to California’s AB1955 legislation, which restricts schools from requiring parental notification if a child identifies as transgender. In the past, Musk has faced accusations of transphobia.
Additionally, Musk’s daughter legally changed her name in 2022, expressing her desire to no longer have any connection to her father. Musk has attributed their estrangement to the influence of her progressive school. His distancing from Wilson has been cited as a factor contributing to his increasingly right-wing views on social issues.
Over recent years, Musk’s political stance has shifted from center-left to embracing more right-wing positions, particularly on topics such as diversity and clean energy. Most recently, he endorsed the Republican presidential ticket of Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom support the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.