Tesla CEO Elon Musk has claimed that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” as a result of receiving gender-affirming care, prompting him to vow to “destroy the woke mind virus.” Musk expressed these views during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson. He described gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.”
Musk’s daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, came out as transgender at age 16 during the pandemic after receiving gender-affirming care. Musk mentioned that he signed documents for her care under the impression it was necessary to prevent potential suicide, a period when he was confused due to the pandemic.
Musk criticized the practice of providing such care to minors, labeling it as “incredibly evil” and suggesting that those who promote it should be imprisoned. He expressed regret over agreeing to the care, stating, “I lost my son, essentially,” and referencing the term “deadnaming.” Despite puberty blockers not affecting fertility on their own, Musk claimed he was unaware that they were “sterilization drugs.”
These public comments follow Musk’s announcement that his companies X and SpaceX would join Tesla in relocating to Texas because of California’s SAFETY Act, which restricts schools from notifying parents if their child identifies as transgender. Musk has frequently been accused of transphobia and promoting anti-trans messaging.
In 2022, Musk’s daughter applied for a name change and new birth certificate, expressing in court documents that she no longer wanted to be related to Musk. His estranged relationship with his daughter is cited in Walter Isaacson’s biography as a factor behind Musk’s “anti-woke sentiments.”
In recent years, Musk, who was once known for center-left politics, has increasingly aligned with right-wing views on topics such as diversity initiatives, election fraud, and immigration. He recently endorsed the Republican presidential ticket of Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance.