Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made controversial remarks regarding his transgender daughter, stating that she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. He declared his intention to “destroy the woke mind virus” during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson that aired on Monday.
Musk, who manages multiple companies including X, referred to gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He shared that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, underwent gender-affirming care during the pandemic and came out as transgender at the age of 16.
He expressed feeling deceived into signing documents related to his child’s transition, stating that he was unaware of the complexities at the time, exacerbated by the confusion surrounding COVID-19. He mentioned that there were concerns about potential suicide, which influenced his decision-making.
Musk criticized the practice of providing such care to minors, emphasizing that it is “incredibly evil” and suggested that advocates for these practices should face imprisonment. He claimed he was not adequately informed that puberty blockers are effectively sterilization drugs, despite these blockers not impacting fertility directly.
He lamented the loss of his son, asserting, “The reason they call it ‘deadnaming’ is because your son is dead.”
These comments come shortly after Musk announced that X and SpaceX would be relocating to Texas, citing California’s AB1955 SAFETY Act, which prohibits schools from mandating parental notification when a child identifies as transgender and requires state support for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced allegations of transphobia and has been accused of propagating anti-trans narratives.
In 2022, Musk’s daughter sought a name change and a new birth certificate, stating in court documents her desire to sever ties with her father. Musk has attributed their strained relationship to the influence of her progressive school in Los Angeles, a dynamic that Isaacson’s biography suggests has fueled Musk’s anti-woke rhetoric.
Historically known for his center-left views, Musk has shifted toward right-wing narratives, particularly around issues such as diversity, election fraud, and immigration. Recently, he endorsed Republican candidates, including former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom support the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.