Tesla CEO Elon Musk claimed that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care, expressing his commitment to “destroy the woke mind virus” during an interview with psychologist and commentator Jordan Peterson.
During the discussion, Musk criticized gender-reassignment surgery, labeling it as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He revealed that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who came out as transgender at 16, underwent gender-affirming treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Musk mentioned feeling pressured into signing documents for his daughter, stating that he lacked a full understanding of the situation at the time and was concerned that she might be at risk of suicide. He expressed his belief that such medical procedures are performed on children who are too young to provide consent, agreeing with Peterson’s assertion that it is “incredibly evil” and should be punishable by imprisonment. Musk further claimed that he was not informed that puberty blockers could be considered sterilization drugs.
He expressed deep regret, stating, “I was tricked into doing this. I lost my son, essentially.” He described “deadnaming” as a term that signifies a profound loss.
Musk’s comments came shortly after announcing that his companies, including X and SpaceX, would be relocating to Texas, partly due to California’s SAFETY Act, which prohibits schools from mandating parental notification if a child identifies as transgender. Musk has previously faced accusations of promoting anti-trans narratives.
In 2022, Musk’s daughter sought a name change and a new birth certificate, indicating in court documents her desire to sever ties with her father completely. Musk has attributed his estrangement with her to her progressive education in Los Angeles, as per Walter Isaacson’s biography, suggesting that the strained relationship informs his anti-woke views.
Musk, who has shifted from center-left views to embracing right-wing discourse on various issues, recently backed the Republican presidential candidates, including former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom advocate for the oil sector while opposing clean energy initiatives.