Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently expressed strong opposition to gender-affirming care during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson. Musk characterized his estranged transgender daughter as being “killed” by such care and pledged to combat what he referred to as the “woke mind virus.”
In the interview, Musk described gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization” and revealed that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, came out as transgender at the age of 16 after receiving gender-affirming care during the pandemic. He recounted feeling misled when he signed documents related to her transition, saying he was told that she might be at risk of suicide.
Musk criticized the medical process involved in gender transitions for children, especially those below the legal age of consent, agreeing with Peterson’s assessment that it is “incredibly evil” and suggesting that advocates for such treatments should face imprisonment. He also claimed he was not informed that puberty blockers function as sterilization drugs, although it is important to note that puberty blockers alone do not affect fertility.
Expressing his sense of loss, Musk stated, “I was tricked into doing this. I lost my son.” He mentioned the term “deadnaming,” explaining that it signifies the death of his son’s previous identity.
These comments follow Musk’s announcement that X and SpaceX will relocate to Texas in response to California’s AB1955 legislation, which restricts schools from informing parents when their child identifies as transgender and mandates resources for LGBTQ+ children. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans messaging.
In 2022, Musk’s daughter sought a name change and a new birth certificate, expressing her desire to no longer be connected to her biological father. According to biographer Walter Isaacson, Musk has attributed the estrangement to Wilson’s progressive education in Los Angeles, suggesting that this relationship is influencing his outspoken “anti-woke” views.
Musk, who once held center-left political views, has increasingly adopted right-wing rhetoric on various issues, including diversity initiatives and immigration. Earlier this month, he endorsed the Republican presidential ticket, which includes former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both known for their support of the oil industry and skepticism towards clean energy initiatives.