Tesla CEO Elon Musk stated that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care, prompting him to express a desire to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
Musk shared these views during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson. He criticized gender-reassignment surgery, labeling it as “child mutilation and sterilization.” His daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, came out as transgender at the age of 16 and received gender-affirming care during the pandemic.
Musk claimed he was “tricked” into signing documents regarding his child’s transition without fully understanding the situation, stating that there was significant confusion surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic at that time, and he was led to believe his child was at risk of suicide.
He expressed concern about children undergoing such procedures before reaching the age of consent, agreeing with Peterson that it is “incredibly evil” and advocating for the imprisonment of those who promote it. Musk, who has a total of 12 children and frequently discusses topics related to fertility and population, also mentioned he was not informed that puberty blockers could be considered sterilization drugs, despite the fact that they do not affect fertility on their own.
“I was tricked into doing this,” Musk lamented, feeling he lost his son in the process. He referred to the concept of “deadnaming” to emphasize his views on identity changes.
Musk’s comments were made shortly after he announced that X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas, joining Tesla, in response to California’s AB1955, also known as the SAFETY Act. This legislation prohibits schools from requiring parents to be notified if their child identifies as transgender and mandates that resources for LGBTQ+ youth be provided by the State Department. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans messaging in the past.
In 2022, his daughter sought to legally change her name and birth certificate, expressing a desire to no longer be associated with her father. Musk attributes the estrangement to the progressive school she attended in Los Angeles, as noted in Walter Isaacson’s biography. Isaacson suggests that Musk’s strained relationship with Wilson contributes to his “anti-woke sentiments.”
Over recent years, Musk has shifted from his previously center-left political stance to adopt increasingly right-wing views on various issues, including diversity initiatives, election integrity, and immigration. Earlier this month, he endorsed the Republican party’s presidential ticket, supporting former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both known for their opposition to clean energy and support for the oil industry.