Tesla CEO Elon Musk claimed his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” after she received gender-affirming care, leading him to assert his intention to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
Musk made these remarks during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, which aired on Monday. He criticized gender-reassignment surgery, labeling it as “child mutilation and sterilization.” Musk’s daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, came out as transgender at the age of 16 and received gender-affirming care during the pandemic.
During the interview, Musk mentioned feeling misled into signing documents regarding his child, noting the chaotic circumstances surrounding COVID-19 and the alarming claims about potential suicide. He expressed his concern that these medical procedures target children who are below the legal age of consent, echoing Peterson’s views on the matter. Musk stated that he believes promoting such care for minors should result in imprisonment for those responsible.
Despite having 12 children, Musk claimed he was never informed that puberty blockers are effectively sterilization drugs. He referred to his relationship with Wilson, emphasizing the pain of “deadnaming,” which he associated with the loss of his son.
Musk’s comments emerged shortly after he announced plans for X and SpaceX to relocate to Texas in response to California’s SAFETY Act. This legislation prohibits schools from mandating parental notification when a child identifies as transgender and requires state support for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and anti-trans messaging in the past.
In 2022, his daughter applied for a name change and new birth certificate, stating in court documents her desire to sever ties with her father. Musk has attributed the estrangement to the progressive influence of her school in Los Angeles, a dynamic that according to biographer Walter Isaacson contributes to Musk’s “anti-woke sentiments.”
Historically known for his moderate political stance, Musk has recently aligned himself with right-wing viewpoints on various topics, including diversity and immigration. Earlier this month, he endorsed the Republican presidential ticket of former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom support the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.