As the dust settles after Donald Trump’s unexpected victory over Kamala Harris in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, many LGBTQ+ individuals, including prominent voices, are expressing their concerns over what lies ahead. Among them is Vivian Jenna Wilson, Elon Musk’s estranged transgender daughter, whose recent social media posts underline her increasing disillusionment with the U.S. and deep-seated frustration toward her father’s stance on transgender issues.
On November 6, Wilson shared a heartfelt post on Threads, expressing her struggle with Trump’s win and the ripple effects it could have on transgender rights and personal safety. “I’ve thought this for a while, but yesterday confirmed it for me,” she wrote. “I don’t see my future being in the United States. Even if he’s only in office for four years, even if the anti-trans regulations magically don’t happen, the people who willingly voted this in are not going anywhere anytime soon.”
Numerous LGBTQ+ Americans share this sentiment, which highlights the growing unease among vulnerable communities who worry about the re-implementation of regressive policies and social hostility. And in a move that many found heartbreaking, Elon Musk responded to his daughter’s post with a remark that exemplifies the very disdain she criticized. Musk misgendered Wilson, stating, “The woke mind virus killed my son.” This comment not only deadnamed Wilson—a hurtful practice involving the use of a trans person’s former name—but also denied her identity, something Musk has done on multiple public occasions.
A Complicated Relationship in a Divisive Climate
Musk’s comment reflects a broader attitude toward his daughter that has simmered since 2022, when Wilson legally changed her name and severed ties with her father. At the time, she cited her desire to distance herself from Musk “in any way, shape, or form.” Over the past two years, Wilson has shared details of her estrangement, describing Musk as both emotionally distant and actively critical of her transgender identity. In interviews, she has recounted instances where Musk belittled her for embracing her femininity, going as far as instructing her to deepen her voice during childhood.
Wilson has long accused Musk of perpetuating a “sob story” narrative about their relationship, presenting himself as a victim of the “woke mind virus”—a term Musk uses as a catch-all critique against progressive values and diversity initiatives. In a statement mocking Musk’s recurring claims, Wilson asked if she could “attend her own funeral or would that be considered gauche?” The humor underscores her resilience but also hints at the emotional strain she endures as a public figure facing public denouncement from her own father.
Musk’s endorsement of Trump and his alleged financial support for the 2024 campaign only adds to Wilson’s frustration. Reports indicate that Musk invested millions in Trump’s campaign, likely influencing the distribution of anti-LGBTQ+ advertisements. Such ads were a part of Trump’s broader strategy to rally support by appealing to transphobic narratives, stoking fear around gender-affirming care for minors and falsely suggesting that schools could unilaterally approve surgeries.
The Harmful Power of Misinformation
Wilson’s concern for the future of transgender rights in the U.S. stems from more than just political disagreement. Trump repeatedly asserted that minors were undergoing “brutal” surgeries without parental consent during the most recent election cycle, claims that are unsupported by medical data. In truth, any gender-affirming care for minors in the U.S. requires parental approval, and there is no evidence that schools are unilaterally authorizing gender-affirming surgeries.
Musk’s alignment with such narratives only intensifies Wilson’s mistrust of her father’s intentions. During the campaign, Musk publicly misgendered her while invoking his version of events to conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, declaring, “My son Xavier is dead, killed by the woke mind virus.” Wilson countered with biting sarcasm on Threads, remarking that her father’s obsession with control and victimhood is a reflection of his immaturity. “Everyone around you knows you as a delusional and grubby little control freak who hasn’t matured as a person for 38 years,” she wrote.
Reflections from a Broken Bond
Wilson’s words represent more than personal grievance; they’re a poignant reminder of how fragile family relationships can be for transgender individuals. Studies consistently show that LGBTQ+ youth with unsupportive families are at a higher risk of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation. Wilson’s estrangement from Musk mirrors the experiences of countless transgender people who face rejection from family members unwilling to accept or support their gender identity.
Wilson’s journey toward self-acceptance has not been an easy one. She recently told NBC News about the impact of her gender-affirming care, which Musk had previously downplayed. Wilson said the treatments “saved lives” and allowed her to “thrive,” rebuking Musk’s claims that he was “tricked” into supporting her medical care.
Wilson’s story demonstrates a universal truth for transgender people: winning the support of loved ones, particularly family, is frequently the most difficult struggle in a world that is becoming more and more polarized by social and political ideologies. For Wilson, the rejection has come with a high profile and a wealth of unspoken heartbreak, as she watches her father align with a political agenda that endangers not only her rights but the rights of countless others in the trans community.
The Bottom Line
Despite Musk’s attempts to frame her journey as a tragedy, Wilson has embraced a spirit of resilience, pushing back against his attacks with unwavering humor and conviction. After Musk responded to her plans to leave the U.S., Wilson wrote, “I’m not dead… I look pretty good for a dead b**ch.” Her retorts have become a rallying cry for transgender individuals facing rejection from family members, who see Wilson as a role model for navigating public and personal betrayal with dignity.
Wilson has been open about her plans to leave the U.S., a sentiment echoed by many LGBTQ+ individuals who are apprehensive about the future under Trump’s leadership. While her father remains one of the wealthiest and most influential figures in the world, her commitment to self-empowerment and self-preservation takes precedence. In her words, “The people who willingly voted this in are not going anywhere anytime soon.”
In the end, Wilson’s story isn’t just about a daughter’s struggle with her father’s beliefs; it’s a symbol of resilience and the fight for authenticity in a world that often demands conformity. For transgender individuals facing similar family conflicts, Wilson’s narrative is a reminder that self-worth does not hinge on anyone’s approval—not even family. Her voice is a beacon for those who seek solace in knowing they aren’t alone and an affirmation that one’s identity, at its core, belongs to oneself.
