Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently expressed strong views regarding his transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, claiming that she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk pledged to combat what he termed the “woke mind virus.”
Musk criticized gender-reassignment surgery, labeling it as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He recounted how his daughter began her transition during the pandemic, coming out as trans at the age of 16. He mentioned feeling misled when he signed documents related to her care, citing concerns that she might attempt suicide.
The CEO emphasized that this process affects minors well below the age of consent, aligning with Peterson in denouncing it as “incredibly evil.” He expressed regret that he was not informed puberty blockers were “actually just sterilization drugs,” although it’s noted that puberty blockers do not directly affect fertility.
Musk lamented the changes in his relationship with his child, stating, “I was tricked into doing this. I lost my son, essentially.” He referenced the term “deadnaming,” indicating a sense of loss over his child’s transition.
This conversation occurred shortly after Musk announced relocations for X and SpaceX to Texas, citing California’s AB1955 SAFETY Act, which restricts school policies regarding the confidentiality of transgender identity. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans messaging in the past.
In 2022, Wilson applied for a name change, seeking to sever ties with Musk entirely, citing a desire not to be related to him. Musk has attributed their estranged relationship to the progressive environment of Wilson’s school in Los Angeles, with his biographer suggesting that this family dynamic has influenced Musk’s anti-woke views.
Over recent years, Musk has shifted from his previously moderate political stance to embrace more right-wing rhetoric, addressing various issues, including diversity policies and immigration. Recently, he endorsed the Republican presidential ticket featuring former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both strong supporters of the oil industry.