Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made controversial remarks regarding his transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, claiming that she was “killed” after undergoing gender-affirming care. He vowed to “destroy the woke mind virus” during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, which aired Monday afternoon. Musk characterized gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” expressing his belief that the process is harmful to minors.
Musk recounted a time during the pandemic when he felt pressured to sign documents for Wilson, who came out as transgender at 16. He stated that he was misled about the implications of the gender-affirming care and claimed that he was told Wilson might be at risk of suicide.
He criticized the practice of providing gender-affirming treatment to children who are not of legal age, agreeing with Peterson that it is “incredibly evil” and suggesting that those who promote it should face imprisonment. He also stated that he was not made aware that puberty blockers could lead to sterilization, though it’s important to note that puberty blockers alone do not have a sterilizing effect.
Musk expressed regret over his daughter’s transition, saying, “I was tricked into doing this. I lost my son, essentially.” He referred to the term “deadnaming,” suggesting it reflects a deeper loss.
These comments came shortly after Musk announced plans for X and SpaceX to relocate to Texas, in response to California’s AB1955, or the SAFETY Act, which prohibits schools from requiring parental notification if a child identifies as transgender. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans rhetoric in the past.
In 2022, Wilson applied for a name change and a new birth certificate, stating in court documents that she desires no association with her biological father. Musk has attributed their estrangement to the influence of her progressive school. Walter Isaacson’s biography also notes that Musk’s difficult relationship with Wilson has influenced his anti-woke attitudes.
Moving away from his previously center-left stance, Musk has increasingly aligned with right-wing viewpoints on various issues, including diversity, election integrity, and immigration. Recently, he endorsed the Republican presidential ticket of former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom advocate for fossil fuel interests and oppose clean energy initiatives.