Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made controversial remarks regarding his transgender daughter, claiming she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. He expressed a commitment to “destroy the woke mind virus” during an interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson. Musk criticized gender-reassignment surgery, referring to it as “child mutilation and sterilization,” and highlighted that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, transitioned during the pandemic at the age of 16.
Musk discussed feeling misled when he consented to treatment for his child, attributing his decision to confusion surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns about suicide risks. He stated, “I was tricked into signing documents” relating to Wilson’s transition. Musk also voiced strong disapproval of medical procedures provided to children, stating that such practices are “incredibly evil” and should lead to imprisonment for those promoting them.
Furthermore, Musk asserted that he was unaware that puberty blockers function as sterilization drugs, despite their lack of direct impact on fertility. He expressed feelings of loss, indicating that the term “deadnaming” signifies the death of his relationship with his daughter.
These comments followed Musk’s recent announcement that his companies, including Tesla and X, would relocate to Texas due to California’s SAFETY Act, which limits parental notification regarding a child’s gender identity. Musk has faced allegations of transphobia in recent years and has often attributed his estrangement from Wilson to progressive influences at her school.
In the context of his evolving political views, Musk, once considered to have center-left ideologies, has increasingly adopted far-right positions, endorsing Republican candidates known for their support of the fossil fuel industry and opposition to clean energy initiatives.