Tesla CEO Elon Musk claimed that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care, prompting him to express a desire to “destroy the woke mind virus.” Musk made these controversial remarks during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson that aired on Monday. He referred to gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” stating that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who came out as transgender at 16, began her transition during the pandemic.
Musk expressed regret about signing documents related to his daughter’s transition, saying he felt misled due to the confusion surrounding COVID-19. He stated, “I was essentially tricked into signing documents for one of my older boys.” Referring to his daughter’s transition, he said, “I lost my son, essentially,” and criticized the practice of gender-affirming care for minors, describing it as “incredibly evil.” Musk also alleged that he was unaware that puberty blockers were effectively sterilization drugs, despite medical consensus that they do not directly affect fertility.
These comments come shortly after Musk announced that X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas in response to California’s SAFETY Act, which restricts parental notification in schools regarding a child’s transgender identity. Musk has faced accusations of promoting anti-trans sentiments and has linked his strained relationship with his daughter to her progressive education.
Wilson, in 2022, sought legal name and birth certificate changes, stating that she wishes to sever ties with her biological father. Musk has attributed their fractured relationship to her school’s influence, as described in Walter Isaacson’s biography of him. Over the past few years, Musk, who used to align with center-left politics, has embraced more right-wing views, especially on social issues, and has recently supported Republican candidates, including former President Donald Trump.