Tesla CEO Elon Musk stated that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” following her receipt of gender-affirming care, leading him to pledge to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
Musk shared these views during a Monday interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson. The CEO, who heads multiple companies including X, referred to gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He mentioned that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, underwent gender-affirming care during the pandemic and came out as transgender at the age of 16.
“I was essentially tricked into signing documents for one of my older boys,” Musk said, referring to Wilson, who has chosen to no longer use his last name. He explained that this occurred before he fully understood the situation, alongside the confusion surrounding COVID-19, and he was alerted that his child might be at risk of suicide.
Musk condemned the medical procedures performed on minors who are not yet at the age of consent, agreeing with Peterson that it is “incredibly evil” and suggested that individuals endorsing such treatments should face imprisonment. Despite having twelve children and previously discussing topics like fertility and underpopulation, Musk contended that he was not informed that puberty blockers were effectively “sterilization drugs,” noting that these treatments alone do not impact fertility.
“I was tricked into doing this,” Musk declared. “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 remarks come shortly after Musk announced that X and SpaceX would move to Texas, joining Tesla, in response to California’s AB1955, known as the SAFETY Act. This legislation prevents schools from mandating parental notification if a child identifies as transgender and directs the State Department to offer resources to support LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and fostering anti-trans narratives in the past.
In 2022, Musk’s daughter sought a name change and a new birth certificate, asserting in court that she wished to disassociate from her biological father. According to Walter Isaacson’s biography, Musk has attributed the estrangement to her progressive school in Los Angeles, which he suggests has contributed to his “anti-woke sentiments.”
Musk, who was previously identified with center-left politics, has shifted towards right-wing perspectives on various issues, including diversity initiatives and immigration. Recently, he endorsed the Republican presidential ticket of former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both proponents of the oil industry and opponents of clean energy initiatives.