Tesla CEO Elon Musk claimed that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” after undergoing gender-affirming care, which prompted him to express a desire to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
Musk made these remarks during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson. He described gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” His daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, came out as transgender at the age of 16 and received gender-affirming care during the pandemic.
Musk mentioned that he felt manipulated into signing documents related to his daughter’s transition, stating, “I was essentially tricked into signing documents for one of my older boys,” as Wilson no longer goes by her father’s last name. He recalled that he was told at the time that his child might be at risk of suicide, adding that he was confused due to the circumstances surrounding COVID-19.
He expressed deep concern about children undergoing such medical procedures, asserting that it is done to minors “who are far below the age of consent.” Musk aligned with Peterson’s perspective, labeling the promotion of such practices as “incredibly evil” and suggesting imprisonment for those advocating it. He further claimed that he was not made aware that puberty blockers are “actually just sterilization drugs,” although puberty blockers do not inherently affect fertility.
“I was tricked into doing this,” Musk expressed, lamenting the loss of his son, and relating that the term “deadnaming” signifies the death of his son’s previous identity.
These statements follow Musk’s announcement that his companies, including X and SpaceX, will relocate to Texas due to California’s AB1955, or the SAFETY Act. This legislation prohibits schools from enforcing rules that would require parental notification if a child identifies as transgender and mandates resources to support LGBTQ+ children. Musk has faced criticism for alleged transphobia in the past.
In 2022, Wilson petitioned for a name change and a new birth certificate, indicating in court filings that she wishes to completely sever ties with her biological father. Musk has attributed his estrangement from Wilson to her progressive schooling, as noted in Walter Isaacson’s biography. Isaacson suggested that the strained relationship significantly influences Musk’s anti-woke sentiments.
In recent years, Musk, who once held centrist views, has adopted increasingly right-wing positions regarding various issues, including diversity, election integrity, and immigration. Earlier this month, he endorsed the Republican presidential ticket led by former president Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom support the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.