Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial remarks about his estranged transgender daughter, claiming she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk expressed his determination to “destroy the woke mind virus” and labeled gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He described his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who came out as transgender at 16, as having undergone gender-affirming care during the pandemic.
Musk recounted feeling misled into signing documents for Wilson, stating that this occurred without his full understanding amid the confusion of COVID-19, and he was warned that she might attempt suicide. He criticized the practice of providing such medical interventions to minors, aligning with Peterson’s view that it is “incredibly evil” and suggested that those promoting it should face imprisonment. Despite having 12 children, Musk claimed he was not informed that puberty blockers could lead to sterilization, though it’s noted that they alone do not impact fertility.
Musk’s statements came shortly after he announced that his companies, including X and SpaceX, would relocate from California to Texas in response to California’s AB1955, legislation that affects how schools manage information about transgender students. This law prohibits schools from notifying parents if a child identifies as transgender and mandates resources for LGBTQ+ children. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and anti-trans messaging in the past.
In 2022, Wilson sought a name change and a new birth certificate, expressing a desire to be estranged from her father. Musk blamed their strained relationship on the progressive environment of her Los Angeles school, as noted in a biography by Walter Isaacson, who suggested that Musk’s feelings about their relationship influence his “anti-woke” views.
Over recent years, Musk has shifted from a center-left political stance to adopting more right-wing positions regarding issues such as diversity, election integrity, and immigration. Recently, he endorsed the Republican presidential ticket of former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both known for their support of the oil industry and opposition to clean energy.