Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk stated that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care, prompting him to declare a mission to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
Musk shared these remarks during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, which aired Monday. He criticized gender-reassignment surgery, labeling it as “child mutilation and sterilization.” According to Musk, his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, sought gender-affirming treatment during the pandemic and came out as transgender at 16.
“I was essentially tricked into signing documents for one of my older boys,” Musk said, referencing Wilson, who has chosen to drop his surname. He expressed that his understanding of the situation was limited, compounded by the confusion of the pandemic, and he had been informed that his child might be at risk of suicide.
Musk further claimed that such processes are applied to children “who are far below the age of consent” and expressed agreement with Peterson that promoting these practices is “incredibly evil” and should incur imprisonment. With twelve children, Musk also mentioned that he was not adequately informed that puberty blockers could lead to sterilization, although these blockers alone do not impair fertility.
“I was tricked into doing this,” Musk stated. “I lost my son, essentially. They call it ‘deadnaming’ for a reason. The reason they call it ‘deadnaming’ is because your son is dead.”
Musk’s remarks came shortly after he announced that X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas, following California’s AB1955, the SAFETY Act. This legislation prohibits schools from mandating parental notification when a child identifies as transgender and compels the State Department to offer resources for LGBTQ+ identifying youth. Musk has faced allegations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans rhetoric in the past.
In 2022, Musk’s daughter filed for a name change and new birth certificate, indicating in legal documents that she wishes to sever ties with her biological father completely. According to Walter Isaacson’s biography, Musk attributes his strained relationship with Wilson to her progressive education in Los Angeles, suggesting that this dynamic has influenced his “anti-woke sentiments.”
Historically known for his centrist views, Musk has increasingly adopted right-wing rhetoric regarding various issues, including diversity initiatives and immigration. Recently, 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.