Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently expressed that he feels his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” by the effects of gender-affirming care. In an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, which aired on Monday, Musk referred to gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He shared that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who is now 16 and no longer uses his last name, received gender-affirming care during the pandemic.
Musk claimed he was misled into consenting to gender-affirming procedures for his daughter, stating that at the time he was concerned for her well-being amid feelings of confusion caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that he had been informed that his child might be at risk of suicide, which contributed to his decision.
Musk criticized the practice of gender-affirming care for minors, asserting that it is performed on children who are below the age of consent and describing it as “incredibly evil.” He further stated that individuals promoting such care should face imprisonment. Musk mentioned that he believed he was not adequately informed about puberty blockers, calling them “sterilization drugs,” although puberty blockers do not directly impair fertility.
During the discussion, Musk lamented, “I was tricked into doing this,” adding he feels he has lost his son and likening the term “deadnaming” to the loss of his child.
These remarks come shortly after Musk announced plans for X and SpaceX to relocate to Texas due to California’s legislation, known as the SAFETY Act, which mandates that schools do not need to inform parents if their child identifies as transgender. Musk has faced allegations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans narratives in the past.
In 2022, his daughter applied for a name change and a new birth certificate, stating in court documents she no longer wished to be associated with her biological father. Musk has attributed their strained relationship to the progressive education his daughter received in Los Angeles, which he believes has influenced her views and their disconnect.
Over the years, Musk has shifted from center-left political views to embracing more right-wing rhetoric, addressing various issues including diversity initiatives, election fraud, and immigration policies. Recently, he endorsed the Republican presidential candidates Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom support the oil industry and are critical of clean energy initiatives.