Tesla CEO Elon Musk stated that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” following her receipt of gender-affirming care, leading him to express a determination to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk referred to gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He revealed that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who identifies as transgender, underwent gender-affirming care during the pandemic and publicly came out at the age of 16.
Musk claimed he was misled into signing documents pertaining to his daughter, stating that the situation was confusing due to the pandemic and that he was concerned for her wellbeing. He expressed that children who are below the age of consent should not undergo such procedures, echoing Peterson’s sentiment that it is “incredibly evil” and that proponents should face imprisonment. Musk, who has 12 children and has often voiced concerns about declining birth rates, asserted that he was not made aware that puberty blockers were essentially sterilization drugs, although these medications do not inherently affect fertility.
“I was tricked into doing this,” he said, adding that he feels he has lost his son, referring to the concept of “deadnaming” as indicative of that loss.
Musk’s comments follow a recent decision to move multiple companies, including X and SpaceX, to Texas in response to California’s AB1955, or the SAFETY Act. This legislation restricts schools from mandating parent notifications regarding a child’s transgender identity and aims to provide resources for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced accusations of promoting anti-trans narratives in the past.
In 2022, Musk’s daughter applied for a name change and a new birth certificate, indicating in court documents a desire to sever ties with her biological father. Musk has attributed their strained relationship to her progressive school in Los Angeles, as mentioned in Walter Isaacson’s biography. Isaacson noted that this estrangement has influenced Musk’s “anti-woke sentiments.”
Over recent years, Musk, who previously held centrist views, has embraced more right-wing positions on various issues, including diversity efforts, election integrity, and immigration policies. This month, he endorsed the Republican presidential ticket, featuring former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom support the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.