Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made controversial remarks regarding his estranged transgender daughter, claiming she was “killed” after undergoing gender-affirming care. During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk stated his intention to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
Musk criticized gender-reassignment surgery, labeling it as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He discussed his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who came out as transgender at the age of 16 and received gender-affirming care during the pandemic. Musk mentioned feeling misled into signing documents related to his daughter’s transition, emphasizing that it was before he fully understood the implications involved.
He expressed concern that children who have not reached the age of consent are being subjected to these procedures, agreeing with Peterson’s claim that it is “incredibly evil” and advocating for imprisonment for those who promote it. Musk, a father of 12, also asserted that he was not informed that puberty blockers could serve as sterilization drugs, although they do not inherently affect fertility.
Musk stated, “I was tricked into doing this. I lost my son, essentially,” and remarked on the term “deadnaming,” which refers to using a person’s birth name after they have transitioned.
These comments come shortly after Musk announced that his companies, including X and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas, largely due to California’s AB1955, or the SAFETY Act. This legislation restricts schools from enforcing rules that require parental notification if a child identifies as transgender and mandates state resources to assist LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced allegations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans narratives in the past.
In 2022, Musk’s daughter sought a legal name change, stating in court documents her desire to sever all ties with him. Musk has attributed his estrangement from her to her progressive school in Los Angeles, as noted in Walter Isaacson’s biography, which also suggests that this strained relationship informs Musk’s “anti-woke sentiments.”
Over the years, Musk has shifted from his formerly center-left political views to align more with right-wing ideologies, speaking out against various social issues. Recently, he endorsed the Republican presidential ticket featuring former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom are known for their opposition to clean energy initiatives.