Tesla CEO Elon Musk declared that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” after undergoing gender-affirming care, leading him to pledge to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
Musk made these remarks in an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson. He described gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” referencing his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who came out as transgender at 16 and received gender-affirming care during the pandemic.
“I was essentially tricked into signing documents for one of my older boys,” Musk said, discussing Wilson, who has since distanced herself from the family. He expressed confusion during that time due to the pandemic and stated he was told that his child might be at risk of suicide.
Musk criticised the medical procedures available for children who are below the age of consent, agreeing with Peterson that it is “incredibly evil” and suggested that those promoting such practices should face imprisonment. He claimed he was not made aware that puberty blockers are effectively sterilization drugs, although it is noted that puberty blockers alone do not render one infertile.
“I was tricked into doing this,” Musk lamented, adding, “I lost my son, essentially. They call it ‘deadnaming’ for a reason. The reason they call it ‘deadnaming’ is because your son is dead.”
These comments come shortly after Musk announced that X and SpaceX would join Tesla in relocating to Texas, citing California’s AB1955, known as the SAFETY Act. This legislation prohibits schools from mandating parental notification if a child identifies as transgender, and it requires state resources to assist LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has previously faced allegations of transphobia or anti-trans messaging.
In 2022, Wilson sought a name change and a new birth certificate, stating she no longer wishes to be associated with Musk. He attributed their strained relationship to her progressive school in Los Angeles, as noted in Walter Isaacson’s biography of Musk, which suggested that this familial rift has influenced Musk’s “anti-woke sentiments.”
Musk, who once held center-left political views, has increasingly adopted right-wing rhetoric on various issues, including diversity initiatives, election integrity, and immigration policies. Recently, he endorsed the Republican presidential ticket, which includes former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance.