Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial remarks about his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, during an interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson. Musk asserted that Wilson was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care, leading him to express a desire to combat what he termed the “woke mind virus.”
During the broadcast, Musk characterized gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He shared that his daughter came out as transgender at age 16 and began receiving gender-affirming treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Musk claimed he was misled into allowing treatment for Wilson, stating he was told she might attempt suicide if not supported.
He criticized the practice of providing such care to children “who are far below the age of consent,” echoing Peterson’s view that promoting it is “incredibly evil.” Musk, a father of 12, stated he was not informed that puberty blockers could lead to sterilization, although it is noted that these blockers do not directly affect fertility.
Musk lamented the loss of his son, reflecting on the concept of “deadnaming” – referring to his daughter by her birth name, which he feels represents a loss. His comments follow a decision to relocate his businesses, including X and SpaceX, to Texas due to California’s legislation aimed at protecting transgender rights.
Wilson, in a legal name change application made in 2022, expressed a desire to sever ties with Musk, stating she did not want to be related to him in any form. Musk has attributed the estrangement to her progressive education in Los Angeles. This strained relationship has been described as a factor in Musk’s emerging “anti-woke” beliefs.
Over the past few years, Musk has shifted from center-left politics to more conservative stances on issues like diversity, election integrity, and immigration. Recently, he showed support for the Republican ticket led by former President Donald Trump.