Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently expressed distress over his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, claiming she was “killed” after she underwent gender-affirming care. He vowed to “destroy the woke mind virus” during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson. Musk criticized gender-reassignment surgery, referring to it as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He revealed that Wilson, who came out as transgender at 16 and has since distanced herself from him, received gender-affirming care during the pandemic.
Musk stated, “I was essentially tricked into signing documents for one of my older boys,” implying his lack of understanding at the time. He mentioned concerns about suicide among transgender youth and alleged that the decision was made under duress due to the pandemic’s chaotic circumstances.
He condemned gender-affirming treatments for minors as “incredibly evil” and suggested that those who promote such practices should face imprisonment. Musk, who has a total of 12 children, also claimed that he was unaware that puberty blockers are essentially sterilization drugs, although they do not inherently impact fertility.
Expressing sorrow over his daughter’s transition, Musk remarked, “I lost my son, essentially,” linking the term “deadnaming” to the loss he feels regarding Wilson’s identity. His comments surfaced shortly after he announced that his companies, including X and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas due to California’s SAFETY Act, which restricts parental notification about transgender identification in schools.
Wilson applied for a name change and new birth certificate in 2022, stating in court documents that she wishes to sever ties with her biological father. Musk has attributed their strained relationship to her progressive education, and this estrangement has been noted as a driving force behind his increasing anti-woke sentiments.
In recent years, Musk has shifted from his previously centrist views to adopt more right-wing positions, particularly on topics like diversity initiatives, election fraud, and immigration. He has also publicly endorsed the Republican presidential ticket, aligning himself with figures known for their support of the oil industry and opposition to clean energy.