In a recent interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Tesla CEO Elon Musk expressed strong sentiments regarding his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson. Musk claimed that his daughter was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care and vowed to “destroy the woke mind virus.” He referred to gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” stating that Wilson came out as transgender at the age of 16 and underwent gender-affirming treatment during the pandemic.
Musk reflected on his experience with signing documents related to his daughter’s care, mentioning he felt misled at the time, particularly under the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic. He claimed he was concerned for Wilson’s well-being, citing fears of suicide. Musk also criticized the treatment of children under the age of consent, echoing Peterson’s views that promoting gender-affirming care is “incredibly evil” and that those who do so should face imprisonment.
Additionally, Musk commented on the nature of puberty blockers, insisting he was not informed they act as sterilization drugs, despite puberty blockers not affecting fertility on their own. He articulated feelings of loss regarding his relationship with Wilson, stating that the term “deadnaming” signifies the death of his son in a metaphorical sense.
His comments come shortly after he announced that X and SpaceX would move to Texas, partly as a response to California’s legislation, AB1955, which limits parental notification regarding a child’s transgender identity. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia in the past and has suggested that his estrangement from Wilson is influenced by her liberal education in Los Angeles.
Musk’s political views have shifted notably in recent years, moving from a center-left stance to increasingly aligning with right-wing ideologies on various issues, including diversity initiatives and election integrity. Recently, he voiced support for the Republican presidential ticket of former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both known for their stance against clean energy initiatives.