Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently claimed that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” by the effects of gender-affirming care, prompting him to promise to “destroy the woke mind virus.” His remarks came during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson.
Musk described gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” stating 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 regret over having signed documents related to her transition without fully understanding the implications, particularly during the chaotic period of COVID-19.
Musk mentioned he felt pressured by concerns about his child’s mental health, stating, “I was essentially tricked into signing documents for one of my older boys.” He went on to criticize the practice of providing such treatments to minors who are below the age of consent, aligning himself with Peterson’s strong opposition to these practices. Musk asserted that anyone advocating for such treatments should face imprisonment.
Furthermore, Musk claimed he was not informed that puberty blockers could serve as sterilization drugs, despite their actual effects on fertility being a subject of discussion among medical professionals. He expressed feelings of loss, stating, “I lost my son, essentially,” emphasizing the impacts of “deadnaming” associated with his daughter’s transition.
These comments follow Musk’s recent decisions to move Tesla and several of his companies to Texas, influenced by California’s legislation, AB1955, known as the SAFETY Act. This law restricts schools from requiring parental notification when a child identifies as transgender and mandates state resources for LGBTQ+ youth.
Musk’s daughter sought a name change in 2022, declaring in court that she did not want to be associated with her biological father. Musk has previously attributed the estrangement to her progressive school environment as detailed in Walter Isaacson’s biography, which suggests this strained relationship has shaped Musk’s current anti-woke rhetoric.
In a notable shift from his previously center-left political stance, Musk has increasingly embraced right-wing viewpoints on numerous topics, including immigration policies and diversity initiatives. His recent endorsement of Republican candidates, such as former President Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance, underscores this political transition.