Tesla CEO Elon Musk claimed that his transgender daughter was “killed” following her receipt of gender-affirming care, which led him to express a desire to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
Musk made these remarks during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson. He characterized gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” sharing that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, underwent gender-affirming care during the pandemic and publicly came out as transgender at age 16.
“I was essentially tricked into signing documents for one of my older boys,” Musk stated, referencing Wilson, who has since distanced herself from his surname. Musk remarked that he was unaware of the full implications of the decision at the time, noting the confusion caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns that his child might consider suicide.
Musk indicated that the procedures are performed on children who are “far below the age of consent” and aligned with Peterson in calling it “incredibly evil,” suggesting that those who promote such practices should face imprisonment. He also asserted that he was never informed that puberty blockers are “actually just sterilization drugs,” although it is known that puberty blockers, when administered alone, do not directly affect fertility.
“I was tricked into doing this,” Musk lamented. “I lost my son, essentially. They call it ‘deadnaming’ for a reason—because your son is dead.”
These comments come shortly after Musk announced that X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas, joining Tesla in reaction to California’s AB1955, known as the SAFETY Act. This legislation prohibits schools from enforcing rules that require parents to be informed if their child identifies as transgender and mandates state resources for supporting LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has previously faced accusations of transphobia and anti-trans rhetoric.
In 2022, Musk’s daughter sought a name change and a new birth certificate, stating in court that she wished to no longer be associated with him. Musk has attributed their estrangement to her progressive school in Los Angeles, as highlighted in Walter Isaacson’s biography, indicating that this relationship issue fuels Musk’s “anti-woke” sentiments.
In recent years, Musk, once identified as center-left, has increasingly adopted right-wing positions on topics such as diversity initiatives, election integrity, and immigration policies. Earlier this month, he endorsed former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom advocate for the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.