Tesla CEO Elon Musk made controversial remarks about his transgender daughter, claiming that she was “killed” due to gender-affirming care she received. He expressed his intention to “destroy the woke mind virus” during an interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson.
Musk described gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” stating that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, came out as transgender at the age of 16 after receiving care during the pandemic. He mentioned feeling misled into consenting to documents concerning his child, expressing regret and sadness over the situation.
He noted that the care is provided to minors “far below the age of consent,” siding with Peterson in calling it “incredibly evil,” and suggesting that those who support such practices should face imprisonment. Musk, who has 12 children, voiced that he was not informed that puberty blockers could be considered sterilization drugs.
Musk lamented, “I was tricked into doing this,” emphasizing a sense of loss regarding his relationship with his daughter, who has chosen to distance herself from him. His remarks come on the heels of his announcement that X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas in response to California’s SAFETY Act, legislation that addresses transgender issues in schools.
In 2022, Musk’s daughter applied for a name change to sever ties with him, indicating her desire to no longer be associated with her biological father. Musk pointed to her progressive education in Los Angeles as a factor affecting their relationship, with his biographer noting that their estrangement has influenced Musk’s sentiments against “woke” culture.
In recent years, Musk has shifted from his earlier centrist views, increasingly adopting right-wing positions on various social and political issues, and recently endorsed the Republican presidential ticket of Donald Trump and J.D. Vance.