Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently expressed his controversial views regarding his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson. Musk claimed that Wilson was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care, which fueled his pledge to combat what he calls the “woke mind virus.”
The remarks came amid ongoing discussions regarding a lawsuit faced by McDonald’s due to an E. coli outbreak associated with its Quarter Pounder burger.
During the interview, Musk characterized gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He recounted that Wilson, who transitioned at age 16, sought gender-affirming treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. He described feeling misled when he signed documents for his child, remarking that he was concerned about potential suicidal ideation.
Musk voiced his strong disapproval of gender transition procedures for minors, agreeing with Peterson that such actions are “incredibly evil” and should be met with legal consequences. He stated that he did not fully understand the implications of puberty blockers, which he claimed were presented to him as sterilization drugs, despite their known effects on fertility being a topic of ongoing debate.
Expressing deep personal loss, Musk noted, “I lost my son, essentially,” referencing the concept of “deadnaming,” which he believes signifies a profound loss.
These comments follow his recent announcement that his companies, including Tesla and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas due to legislation in California that affects the rights of transgender youth. In past statements, Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans rhetoric.
Wilson, in 2022, filed for a name change and indicated in court documents her desire to sever ties with her biological father. Musk has attributed the estrangement to the influence of her progressive school in Los Angeles, according to insights from Walter Isaacson’s biography. This strained relationship is seen as a driving factor behind Musk’s shift towards more conservative viewpoints.
Over recent years, Musk has increasingly adopted right-wing positions on various issues, distancing himself from his previously centrist political stance. In a recent development, he endorsed the Republican ticket featuring former President Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom support the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.