Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made controversial remarks regarding his estranged transgender daughter, claiming that 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.”
In the broadcast, Musk characterized gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He mentioned that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, underwent gender-affirming care during the pandemic and publicly identified as transgender at the age of 16. Musk disclosed that he felt misled into signing documents that allowed for this care for his child, reflecting on a time laden with confusion due to both the pandemic and concerns about suicidal ideation.
Musk contended that these procedures are performed on minors who are below the age of consent and echoed Peterson’s sentiment that such actions are “incredibly evil,” suggesting that those promoting them should face imprisonment. He expressed further disappointment by asserting that he was not adequately informed that puberty blockers are, in fact, sterilization drugs, although it is widely understood that these drugs do not directly impact fertility.
In his statements, Musk lamented, “I was tricked into doing this,” adding that the use of the term “deadnaming” reflects a sense of loss regarding his son, who has since transitioned.
These comments come on the heels of Musk’s announcement that he would relocate several of his companies, including X and SpaceX, to Texas. This decision is linked to California’s AB1955, or the SAFETY Act, which prohibits schools from mandating parental notification if a child identifies as transgender and provides resources for LGBTQ+ youth.
Musk’s daughter, Vivian, applied for a name change and new birth certificate in 2022, stating her desire to no longer be associated with her biological father. Musk has suggested that their estrangement is a result of her progressive education in Los Angeles, a theme explored in Walter Isaacson’s biography of him, which indicates that this familial conflict has influenced Musk’s anti-woke views.
Once identified as a center-left figure, Musk has increasingly aligned himself with right-wing ideologies, taking stances on various issues including diversity, election integrity, and immigration. Recently, he endorsed the Republican presidential candidacy of former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both known for their support of traditional fossil fuel industries and opposition to clean energy initiatives.