Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently expressed strong views regarding his transgender daughter, stating during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson that she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. Musk condemned such medical procedures, referring to them as “child mutilation and sterilization,” and claimed he had been misled when he signed documents allowing his child, Vivian Jenna Wilson, to undergo gender-affirming treatment during the pandemic.
Musk noted that his daughter came out as transgender at age 16 and referred to his experience as being “tricked” into making decisions regarding her care. He recalled being told that Wilson might be at risk of suicide, which added to the confusion at the time. Musk criticized the practice of providing procedures to minors, echoing Peterson’s sentiment that it is “incredibly evil,” and suggested that individuals who promote such measures should face imprisonment.
Musk, a father of 12, also voiced concerns about how puberty blockers are often depicted, claiming he was not informed they could lead to sterilization. He reiterated the emotional impact on him, stating, “I lost my son, essentially,” invoking the term “deadnaming” to highlight his feelings of loss.
These comments come shortly after Musk announced that his companies, including X and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas, aligning with opposition to California’s AB1955, which restricts parental notification regarding transgender identification in schools and promotes support for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and anti-trans messaging in the past.
In 2022, Wilson sought a name change and a new birth certificate, indicating a desire to sever ties with her biological father. This estrangement has been attributed by Musk to the progressive environment of her school in Los Angeles, according to biographical accounts. Over recent years, Musk, who previously held centrist views, has increasingly adopted right-wing perspectives, particularly on topics like diversity initiatives and clean energy.