Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial remarks about his transgender daughter, claiming that she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. This has led him to declare his intention to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk described gender reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He noted that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, underwent gender-affirming treatment during the pandemic and publicly came out as transgender at age 16.
Musk expressed that he felt misled into signing documents related to his daughter’s care. He remarked, “This was really before I had any understanding of what was going on,” pointing out that concerns over suicide had influenced his decisions at that time. Musk criticized the practice of providing gender-affirming care to minors, labeling it “incredibly evil,” and suggested imprisonment for those who advocate for it. He claimed that he was not informed that puberty blockers could lead to sterilization, mischaracterizing their effects.
He further stated, “I was tricked into doing this. I lost my son, essentially.” Musk’s comments come shortly after he announced that companies, including Tesla and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas in response to California’s AB1955 law, which aims to protect the rights of transgender students in schools.
Musk’s daughter sought a name change last year, stating in court documents that she wanted to sever ties with her biological father. Reports indicate that Musk attributes their fractured relationship to the progressive influences of her school in Los Angeles.
Over recent years, Musk has shifted from center-left politics to adopt more right-wing views, particularly on issues like diversity and immigration. He recently endorsed former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, who are known for their opposition to clean energy initiatives.