Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made headlines for controversial comments regarding his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson. In a recent interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson, Musk claimed that his daughter was “killed” following her receipt of gender-affirming care. He described this care as “child mutilation and sterilization” and expressed his determination to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
Musk revealed that Wilson, who came out as transgender at the age of 16, received gender-affirming treatments during the pandemic. He mentioned feeling misled into signing documents related to her care, citing a concern for her mental health at the time, as he was informed that she might be at risk of suicide.
He criticized the practice of gender affirmation in minors, stating that it was conducted on children who are too young to give consent and echoed Peterson’s assertion that promoting such care is “incredibly evil.” Musk further claimed he was unaware that puberty blockers were effectively sterilization drugs, despite evidence indicating that they do not directly impact fertility.
In his statements, Musk lamented the loss of his son, suggesting that the concept of “deadnaming” reflects his feelings of mourning for Wilson. These comments follow Musk’s recent announcement that his companies, including X and SpaceX, will relocate to Texas due to California’s AB1955 law, which prohibits schools from notifying parents when their children identify as transgender.
Wilson, who applied for a name change and a new birth certificate in 2022, has expressed a desire to sever ties with her father, stating in court documents that she no longer wishes to be connected to him in any way. Musk attributes the rift in their relationship to the progressive environment at Wilson’s school.
Musk’s shift towards right-wing ideologies is notable, as he has increasingly embraced conservative viewpoints on issues like diversity and immigration in recent years. He recently endorsed the Republican presidential candidates, former President Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance, who advocate for the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.