Tesla CEO Elon Musk expressed strong views regarding gender-affirming care during a recent interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson. He stated that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” by these procedures and declared his intention to combat what he terms the “woke mind virus.”
During the interview, Musk criticized gender-reassignment surgery, labeling it as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He shared that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who now identifies as transgender, received gender-affirming care during the pandemic at the age of 16. Musk claimed he was misled into consenting to this care and described feeling pressure due to concerns for her mental health during that tumultuous time.
Musk emphasized his belief that such procedures are performed on minors who cannot legally consent, echoing Peterson’s sentiment that promoting these practices is “incredibly evil” and should be punishable by imprisonment. He also expressed frustration over the lack of clarity around the effects of puberty blockers, which he argued were not adequately explained to him.
In his remarks, Musk conveyed a sense of loss regarding his son’s identity, associating the term “deadnaming” with his experience of losing his child. He indicated that these comments were made shortly after he revealed plans for his companies, including X and SpaceX, to relocate to Texas due to legislation in California that he opposes. This legislation restricts schools from informing parents if their child identifies as transgender and mandates state resources for LGBTQ+ youth.
Musk’s strained relationship with his daughter is evident from her 2022 court application for a name change, indicating her desire to sever ties with him. His public comments have drawn accusations of transphobia and have been connected to a broader shift in his political stance, as he increasingly embraces right-wing viewpoints on various issues, including LGBTQ+ rights and environmental policies.