Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made controversial remarks regarding his transgender daughter, claiming she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk expressed his intention to “destroy the woke mind virus.” He described gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” and mentioned that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, came out as transgender at the age of 16 after undergoing gender-affirming care during the pandemic.
Musk stated he felt “tricked” into signing documents regarding his daughter, citing confusion due to COVID-19 and concern for her mental health at the time. He also expressed strong opposition to medical procedures performed on children before they reach the age of consent, agreeing with Peterson that such practices are “incredibly evil” and should be punishable by imprisonment. Musk claimed he was not informed that puberty blockers equate to sterilization drugs, although it is noted that puberty blockers alone do not impact fertility.
Musk’s comments follow his decision to relocate his companies, including X and SpaceX, to Texas in response to California’s AB1955, known as the SAFETY Act. This legislation prevents schools from enforcing rules that necessitate parental notification when a child identifies as transgender, while also mandating state resources for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced accusations of promoting anti-trans messaging over the years.
In 2022, Musk’s daughter sought a legal name change and a new birth certificate, indicating a desire to sever ties with her father. According to Walter Isaacson’s biography, Musk attributes their estrangement to the progressive environment of her school in Los Angeles, suggesting this family issue has contributed to his outspoken “anti-woke” stance.
Once recognized for his moderate political views, Musk has shifted towards right-wing rhetoric on various issues, including diversity, election fraud, and immigration. Recently, he endorsed the Republican presidential candidates, including former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom are known for supporting fossil fuels and opposing clean energy initiatives.