Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial remarks regarding his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, claiming she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. During an interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson, Musk expressed his intent to “destroy the woke mind virus,” and referred to gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.”
Musk detailed that Wilson, who publicly came out as transgender at 16 and no longer uses his last name, sought gender-affirming care during the pandemic. He stated that he felt pressured to sign documents regarding her transition, citing confusion during the COVID crisis and concerns for her mental health.
He criticized the process, arguing it is applied to minors who are below the age of consent, and stated that anyone endorsing it should face imprisonment. Musk, a father of twelve, also asserted that he was misinformed about puberty blockers, which he claimed are sterilization drugs, despite evidence that they do not directly affect fertility.
The comments come in the wake of Musk’s company’s recent move to Texas, aligning with efforts to oppose California’s AB1955 legislation. This legislation prevents schools from notifying parents if their child identifies as transgender and mandates state resources for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced accusations of promoting anti-trans rhetoric in the past.
In 2022, Wilson sought a name change and indicated that she wished to sever ties with Musk entirely, stating she did not want to be connected to her biological father. Musk has attributed their estrangement to the influence of her progressive school in Los Angeles, suggesting that it has contributed to his “anti-woke” sentiments. Over recent years, Musk’s political views have shifted rightward, and he has publicly supported efforts associated with the Republican Party.