Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and CEO of companies such as Tesla and SpaceX, has come under fire after his transgender daughter Vivian Jenna Wilson publicly condemned his Nazi-like salute at President Donald Trump’s swearing-in ceremony. Vivian, who has distanced herself from Musk in recent years, made her feelings known through a scathing statement, reigniting a public debate about Musk’s political views and family ties.
The gesture that sparked controversy
At Trump’s swearing-in ceremony, Musk reportedly made a hand gesture that some critics interpreted as similar to a salute associated with Nazi imagery. Though Musk has not commented directly on the matter, the gesture has garnered widespread reactions on social media. Many have accused him of associating with right-wing ideologies, while others argue that the interpretation is exaggerated or misrepresented.
Vivian made her point
Vivian Jenna Wilson, who legally changed her name and broke up with Musk in 2022, also held no stone unturned in her criticism. In a public statement, she described the gesture as “an appalling display of support for authoritarianism.” She expressed her disappointment towards her father, saying, “Such actions reflect the worst aspect of humanity, and I cannot remain silent when someone in such a position of power promotes such a harmful image.”
Vivian, who has been vocal about her fraught relationship with Musk, cited his alleged political leanings and public behavior as major reasons for the rift between them. She also emphasized his support for diversity, inclusion, and equality, values which she feels Musk’s actions contradict.
Family and ideological divides
Musk’s strained relationship with Vivian has been widely discussed, with their differences often reflecting larger societal tensions. Musk has previously expressed skepticism about certain aspects of progressive culture, which may have fueled the divide between him and his daughter. Vivian, on the other hand, represents a generation pushing for social justice and inclusivity.
