Tesla CEO Elon Musk expressed his belief that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” following her gender-affirming care, which has motivated him to take a stand against what he calls the “woke mind virus.”
During a recent interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk characterized gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He recounted that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, initiated her transition at the age of 16, receiving gender-affirming care during the pandemic.
Musk claimed he was “tricked” into consenting to treatments for Wilson, who has since distanced herself from his last name. He noted that at the time, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, he was alarmed by concerns for her mental health, including fears she might commit suicide.
He criticized the practice of administering medical procedures to minors, asserting that it’s “incredibly evil” and should come with severe consequences for those who promote it. Musk also implied he was unaware that puberty blockers could lead to sterilization, despite evidence that these medications alone do not necessarily affect fertility.
“I was tricked into doing this,” Musk said, lamenting the loss of his son, whom he referred to as dead due to the transition process.
His remarks come shortly after he announced that his companies, including X and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas, a move related to California’s AB1955 legislation, which alters how schools handle notifications to parents regarding their child’s gender identity. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia in the past.
In 2022, Wilson applied for a name change, expressing her desire to sever ties with her biological father. Musk has attributed the rift in their relationship to her progressive education in Los Angeles, which he believes has influenced her perspective.
In recent years, Musk has shifted from his previously center-left political stance to embrace a variety of right-wing viewpoints, positioning himself against issues ranging from diversity initiatives to immigration policies. He recently endorsed the Republican presidential ticket of Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom have advocated for pro-oil policies and expressed skepticism towards clean energy initiatives.