Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk recently stated that he feels his transgender daughter was effectively “killed” after she received gender-affirming care, which led him to express a desire to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
These remarks were made during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson that aired on Monday. Musk described gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization” and shared that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, came out as transgender at the age of 16 after undergoing gender-affirming care during the pandemic.
Musk claimed he was misled into consenting to documents regarding his daughter’s transition, citing confusion during the COVID pandemic. He expressed regret over the situation, stating, “I was tricked into doing this. I lost my son, essentially.” He criticized the practice of providing medical interventions to children who have not reached the age of consent, labeling it “incredibly evil” and suggesting that those who promote such actions should face imprisonment.
Further complicating this personal issue, Musk mentioned his belief that puberty blockers were not thoroughly explained to him and suggested they act as sterilization drugs, although it should be noted that puberty blockers alone do not permanently affect fertility.
Musk’s comments about his daughter come shortly after he announced plans for his companies, including X and SpaceX, to relocate to Texas in response to California’s AB1955, or the SAFETY Act. This legislation restricts schools from requiring parental notification when a child identifies as transgender and mandates state support for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced criticism for his perceived transphobia and anti-trans messaging in the past.
In 2022, Wilson sought a name change and a new birth certificate, indicating in court documents her desire to sever ties with Musk. He has attributed their strained relationship to her progressive school in Los Angeles, which he believes has influenced her views. Musk’s evolving political stance has seen him move from center-left beliefs to adopt increasingly right-wing perspectives, particularly on issues related to diversity and immigration, and he recently endorsed the Republican presidential ticket of Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance.