Tesla CEO Elon Musk stated that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” after undergoing gender-affirming care, leading him to express his determination to “destroy the woke mind virus.” Musk made these remarks during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson.
In the interview, Musk, who is at the helm of various companies including X, characterized gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He discussed his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who came out as transgender at 16 and received gender-affirming care during the pandemic.
Musk revealed that he felt he had been deceived into supporting a gender transition for his child, stating, “I was essentially tricked into signing documents for one of my older boys.” He explained that at that time, he was confused due to the pandemic and concerned about his child’s mental health.
The CEO criticized the practice of administering gender transition procedures to minors, claiming it is “incredibly evil,” and suggested that those promoting it should face imprisonment. Musk also asserted that he was unaware that puberty blockers were effectively sterilization drugs, despite the fact that they do not affect fertility on their own.
“I was tricked into doing this,” he lamented, claiming a sense of loss over his child’s transition, referring to the term “deadnaming” as a reflection of the loss of his son.
These comments come shortly after Musk announced that both X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas due to California’s SAFETY Act, which restricts schools from mandating parental notification if a child identifies as transgender. Musk has faced allegations of transphobia and anti-trans rhetoric in the past.
In 2022, Musk’s daughter applied for a name change and requested a new birth certificate, stating in court documents that she wished to sever ties with her biological father. Musk has attributed their estranged relationship to her progressive schooling in Los Angeles, and this dynamic has been linked to his increasing anti-woke sentiments.
Over recent years, Musk has shifted from his previous center-left political stance to adopt more right-leaning views on various issues, including diversity and immigration. Recently, he voiced support for the Republican party’s presidential ticket featuring former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom are aligned with the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.